THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY FOR CONGENITAL LUNG MALFORMATIONS: DOES PREVIOUS INFECTION REALLY MATTER?

Retrospective study of 90 pediatric patients demonstrates that prior pulmonary infection significantly impacts thoracoscopic resection of congenital lung malformations, with infected cases showing higher conversion rates (35.7% vs 12.9%), longer operative times, and increased postoperative fever. Findings support earlier elective intervention before infection develops to optimize surgical outcomes and minimize complications.