Navigating the thoracic inlet in children.

摘要

Though various approaches to the thoracic inlet have been described in adults, currently no guidelines exist in children. Reports in the literature of resection of thoracic inlet tumours in children are only anecdotal. Literature was reviewed to assess the various described approaches with reference to suitability in children. Experience with a 3.5-year-old boy having a thoracic inlet ganglioneuroma, using the anterior cervico-thoracic trap door incision demonstrated excellent access and minimal morbidity. We recommend the trap door incision as the preferable route for exploring thoracic inlet tumours in children.