Journal of pediatric surgery
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Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TOF) can be repaired thoracoscopically, but this may cause hypercapnia, acidosis, and reduced cerebral oxygenation. We evaluated the effect of thoracoscopy in infants on cerebral oxygen saturation (cSO(2)), arterial blood gases, and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) absorption. ⋯ This preliminary study suggests that thoracoscopic repair of CDH and EA/TOF may be associated with acidosis and decreased cSO(2). The effects of these phenomena on future brain development are unknown.