Long-term pulmonary function after lobectomy for congenital pulmonary airway malformation: is thoracoscopic approach really better than open?

Comparative study of 24 CPAM patients shows thoracoscopic lobectomy results in superior long-term pulmonary function compared to open approach, with significantly better FVC, FEV1, and diffusion capacity at 7+ years post-operation. Findings suggest thoracotomy may impair respiratory musculature development in pediatric patients.