Treatment of abdominal extralobar pulmonary sequestration through targeted arterial blockage via a minimally invasive procedure
Rare Case of Intra-abdominal Extralobar Pulmonary Sequestration Successfully Treated in a Newborn
A term neonate, free of comorbidities, was recently treated for a rare case of intra-abdominal extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) associated with left diaphragmatic agenesis. The case, detailed in a recent report, highlights the successful management of this uncommon condition.
Diagnosis and Surgical Intervention
The diagnosis was confirmed through a CT scan with venous contrast, which identified the intra-abdominal ELS and a left diaphragmatic hernia. The patient underwent a left thoracotomy with excision of the accessory lung and reconstruction of the diaphragm using bovine pericardium. The artery feeding the sequestration was embolized to reduce bleeding, and the embolization procedure involved the use of Interlock coils.
Treatment and Follow-up
Extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS) is distinct from intralobar sequestration as it is separate from normal lung tissue and has its own pleura. When located intra-abdominally, it is rare and can be complicated by associated congenital anomalies like diaphragmatic hernia. Surgical intervention involves excising the sequestered lung tissue and repairing the diaphragmatic defect.
Postoperative follow-up includes imaging to ensure complete resection and hernia repair integrity, monitoring for respiratory complications, and growth and developmental assessments in neonates. The patient in this case was discharged from the hospital after 4 days without complications and remained asymptomatic at 8 months of follow-up, showing appropriate development for his age.
Implications and Future Research
There is limited but growing literature describing such combined cases, emphasizing individualized surgical planning due to the rarity and anatomical variability of intra-abdominal ELS combined with diaphragmatic hernia. Early diagnosis and surgery generally show good outcomes. As more cases are reported and studied, a better understanding of this congenital anomaly and its management can be gained.
[1] Intra-abdominal extralobar pulmonary sequestration and diaphragmatic hernia: A case report and review of the literature. Journal of Paediatric Surgery Case Reports.
[3] Management of intra-abdominal extralobar pulmonary sequestration in neonates: A systematic review. Pediatric Surgery International.
Science sheds light on the complexities of intra-abdominal extralobar pulmonary sequestration (ELS), a medical-condition often associated with health-and-wellness challenges in newborns, as depicted in the successful treatment of a rare case detailed in a journal report. Surgical interventions aim to excise the sequestered lung tissue and repair any associated conditions, such as diaphragmatic hernia, aiding in the overall health-and-wellness of the neonate.
