Comparison of Video-assisted Surgery and Open Surgery for Mediastinal Tumor Resection in Pediatric Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The surgical management of mediastinal tumors in pediatric patients presents unique challenges due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of this population. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gained prominence as a minimally invasive alternative to open thoracotomy and median sternotomy (OT), offering potential benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and shorter recovery times. However, the relative effectiveness and safety of VATS compared to OT remain under debate.