Thoracoscopic Surgery for Congenital Lung Malformation Using Miniaturized 3-mm Vessel Sealing and 5-mm Stapling Devices : Single-Center Experience

Aim: To evaluate the outcomes of thoracoscopic resection of congenital lung malformations (CLM) by using JustRight® (Bolder Surgical) 3-mm vessel sealing system and 5-mm stapler. Methods: Patients who underwent thoracoscopic resection of CLM in our Center from January 2016 to July 2019 were selected and divided into two groups: G1 (2018-2019), treated with the new JustRight instruments, and G2 (2016-2017), treated with Ligasure® and Hem-o-lok. Surgical outcomes in term of length of surgery and complications were compared between groups, stratifying the groups for type of resection (lobectomy, extralobar sequestration [ES] resection, and bronchogenic cyst [BC] resection). Results: Thirteen patients were included in G1, and 16 patients were included in G2. Seven lobectomies, 5 ES resections, and 1 BC resection were performed in G1; whereas 12 lobectomies, 3 ES resections, and 1 BC resection were performed in G2. Mean age at the time of surgery was 7.8 ± 6 months (G1) and 6.8 ± 3.3 months (G2) (P = .57). The average length of surgery was shorter for G1 (lobectomies: 120.7 ± 28.2 versus 171.7 ± 37.5, P = .006; ES resection: 63 ± 21.4 versus 91.7 ± 29.3, P = .15; BC 40 minutes versus 100 minutes). No significant difference was found for length of stay (4 ± 1 days versus 5 ± 2 days, P = .18). Neither the need for conversion nor major complications were observed in either group. Conclusion: In our experience, thoracoscopic resections of CLM with the new JustRight instruments were revealed to be safe and effective. On account of having adequate dimensions for small cavities, these instruments can facilitate the procedure and help to reduce the length of surgery.