Previous pulmonary infection impacts thoracoscopic procedure outcomes in patients with congenital lung malformations: a retrospective cohort study

Background and objectives Patients with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) are at high risk for developing pulmonary infection. Nonetheless, prophylactic surgical excision of asymptomatic CLMs is controversial and often delayed to symptoms occurring out of concern for potential operative risks. This study aims to evaluate the impact of previous pulmonary infection on the outcome of thoracoscopic procedures in CLMs patients. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of CLMs patients who received an elective operation at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2019. Patients were divided into pulmonary infection (PI) or non-infection of pulmonary (NPI) groups according to the history of pulmonary infection. Propensity score matching was used to minimize the bias between groups. The primary outcome was conversion to thoracotomy. Postoperative outcomes were compared between patients with and without PI. Results We identified 464 patients, of whom 101 had a history of PI. Propensity score matching yielded a well-balanced cohort of 174 patients. PI was associated with higher conversion to thoracotomy (adjusted odds ratio = 8.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.1–71.2, p = 0.039), blood loss ( p = 0.044), and longer operative time ( p < 0.001), chest tube placement time ( p < 0.001), length of stay ( p < 0.001), and postsurgical length of stay ( p < 0.001). Conclusions Elective operation in CLMs patients with a history of PI was associated with an increased risk of conversion to thoracotomy, operative time, blood loss, chest tube placement time, length of stay, and postsurgical length of stay. Elective thoracoscopic procedures in asymptomatic CLMs patients are safe and effective, and earlier surgical intervention may be warranted.