Impact of Previous Infection on Perioperative Outcomes of Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Congenital Lung Malformation

Aim: To evaluate the impact of previous infection on perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital lung anomalies.Methods: This was a single-institution retrospective observational study for which patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy for congenital lung disease between 2009 and 2021 were enrolled, and patients with extralobar sequestration were excluded. Patient background and data related to the surgery were compared between patients who had an infection before surgery (Group 1) and those who did not (Group 2).Results: This study included 34 patients, 13 in Group 1 and 21 in Group 2. The sex-based distribution and pathological diagnosis were similar between the two groups. Malformations were prenatally diagnosed in 1 patient in Group 1 (7.7%) and 18 patients in Group 2 (86%; P < .001). The median age and weight at the time of the procedure and procedure duration were comparable between the two groups. The amount of blood loss was significantly higher in Group 1 (60 mL) than in Group 2 (20 mL; P = .0042). Four patients in Group 2 required reoperation due to air leakage, pyothorax, and cardiac tamponade, whereas none of the Group 1 patients required reoperation (P = .12). No conversion to thoracotomy was required in either group. The duration of postoperative admission was similar between the two groups (Group 1: 6 days versus Group 2: 6 days; P = .14).Conclusions: Preceding infection increased the amount of bleeding during thoracoscopic lobectomy but had little effect on other outcomes.