Lung surgery in children and their post-operative risk of respiratory infection
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In brief
In brief
Retrospective study of 57 pediatric patients who underwent lung resection found that post-operative respiratory infection rates (3.5% viral URI, 1.8% bacterial pneumonia within 1 year) are comparable to baseline community risk in the general pediatric population. These findings provide evidence-based reassurance for family counseling regarding infection risk after pulmonary resection in children.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
Pediatric surgeons at our institution are often asked by families about a theoretical increased risk of severe common upper respiratory infections in children status post lung resection. No data exist on this topic. We, therefore, aimed to examine the risk of severe respiratory infection in children after pulmonary resection.
Methods
A chart review was conducted on all pediatric patients who underwent pulmonary resection between August 1st, 2009 and January 31st, 2019. Collected data included patient characteristics, operation, complications and any admission for respiratory infection.
Results
Fifty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Resections included lobectomy (45.6%), segmentectomy (14.0%), and wedge resection (40.4%). Twelve (21.1%) were immunocompromised and 6 (10.5%) had post-operative complications. Within 1 year of surgery, 2 (3.5%) patients were hospitalized for a viral upper respiratory illness (URI), 1 (1.8%) for bacterial pneumonia, and none due to influenza.
Conclusion
In the general pediatric population, the risk of admission for respiratory illness is 3–21%. At this institution, overall risk of respiratory infection after lung resection appears comparable to baseline community risk. Our findings could aid counseling pediatric patients and their families regarding the 1-year risk of infection after lung resection.