Conversion to thoracotomy of video-assisted thoracoscopic closure of patent ductus arteriosus.

Introduction: Posterolateral thoracotomy was the access of choice in surgical treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) for many years before the introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The latter is thought to reduce postoperative pain and improve musculoskeletal system status. However, it carries a potential risk of conversion to thoracotomy.

Aim: To evaluate the rate, reasons and outcomes of VATS conversion to thoracotomy in surgical PDA patients.

Material and methods: From 2012 to 2017, 112 children were qualified for VATS closure of symptomatic PDA. Among them, 19 (16.9%) with the median age of 19.4 months required conversion to thoracotomy. The predominant reasons for conversion, early mortality and morbidity as well as late survival were evaluated.

Results: The overall conversion rate was 16.9% with an evident learning curve as it decreased significantly from more than 20% at the beginning to approximately 10% in the last 2 years. The predominant reasons were incomplete PDA closure ( n = 6; 31.6%) followed by ductal bleeding after clip application ( n = 5; 26.3%) and inadequate visualization ( n = 5). One child died 48 h after the surgery due to acute cardiopulmonary failure (mortality 5.9%). All patients required postoperative chest tube insertion, and two of them developed postoperative pneumothorax. Neither deaths nor severe adverse events were noted throughout the follow-up period.

Conclusions: The rate of VATS PDA closure conversion to standard thoracotomy features a learning curve. Although it must be considered as a serious complication, probably it does not negatively affect either early the mortality rate or long-term survival.