Thoracoscopic versus Open Diaphragmatic Plication for Diaphragmatic Eventration in Pediatric Patients at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Keywords:
Thoracoscopic Diaphragmatic Plication, Open Diaphragmatic Plication, Diaphragmatic Eventration.Abstract
Objectives: To compare the surgical outcomes of thoracoscopic versus open diaphragmatic plication for the management of diaphragmatic eventration in pediatric patients at Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals using a retrospective cohort design.
Materials and Methods: After obtaining approval from CPSP and the Ethical Review Committee of Saidu Group of Teaching Hospitals, medical records of eligible pediatric patients who underwent thoracoscopic or open diaphragmatic plication during the study period were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, operative, and postoperative data were extracted from hospital records. Patients were categorized into Group A (thoracoscopic plication) and Group B (open plication) according to the documented surgical approach. Patient confidentiality was maintained throughout the study, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.
Results: A total of 46 pediatric patients (23 per group) were included. Thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication was associated with significantly less blood loss, shorter chest tube duration, reduced mechanical ventilation, and a shorter hospital stay than open plication (all p<0.001), while postoperative complications, recurrence, follow-up duration, and mortality were comparable between the two groups.
Conclusion: It was concluded that thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication is a safe and preferred treatment for symptomatic diaphragmatic eventration in children, offering less surgical trauma, faster recovery, and recurrence rates comparable to those of open surgery when appropriate surgical expertise is available.
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