Endoscope-assisted excision of macrocystic lymphangioma in neck via anterior chest approach in infants and children

Objectives: Macrocystic lymphangioma of the neck is traditionally removed via an overlying incision near the mass. The resultant scar can be aesthetically displeasing, and endoscope-assistant surgery is still rarely used in pediatric subjects. So we report the endoscope-assisted excision of the macrocystic lymphangioma via anterior chest, and explore its feasibility, validity and security. Methods: From June 2005 to December 2008, 6 infants and children with macrocystic lymphangioma accepted endoscope-assisted excision via anterior chest approach. Results: All procedures were successfully performed using the endoscope-assisted approach. There were no conversions of the operations or postoperative complications. All patients and their parents were satisfied with the cosmetic results. Conclusions: Endoscope-assisted excision of the macrocystic lymphangioma via anterior chest approach in children can be applied effectively, safely and feasibly, allowing adequate exposure for dissection, and resulting in a good cosmetic result, and it would be considered as a new surgical approach for these patients. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.