Pediatric Thoracic Surgery at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute: An Eighteen-Month Clinical Experience

Authors

• Ferdous KMNProfessor, Department of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Mona NJConsultant, Department of Pediatric Surgery Al-Manar Specialized Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Rasha SMZJunior Consultant, Department of Thoracic Surgery 250 Bed TB Hospital, Shyamoli, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Mahmud SMAssistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Hasan FRegistrar in Charge, Department of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Yasmin AResident, Department of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Ahsan HBResident Medical Officer, Dept. of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Sweety KNResident Medical Officer, Dept. of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Siddique ABResident Medical Officer, Dept. of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Oishee FTResident Medical Officer, Dept. of Pediatric Thoracic Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Akter JRegistrar, Department of Pulmonology Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute
• Talukder DRegistrar, Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, RICU Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka
• Hossain DMAssociate Professor, Dept. of Pediatric Surgery Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka

Keywords

Abstract

Background: Pediatric thoracic surgery presents with distinctive difficulties due to its diverse range of congenital and acquired conditions, and predominantly affected by infectious diseases, like empyema thoracic in developing countries. The scenario is far more challenging in resource-constrained settings like Bangladesh, where the outcome is often influenced by late presentation and limited logistics. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the surgical experience and outcomes of pediatric thoracic procedures in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Bangladesh. Methods & Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Thoracic Surgery, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from October 2024 to March 2026. A total of 91 patients aged 0-12 years undergoing thoracic surgery were included. Dataregarding demographics, clinical presentation, diagnosis, surgical intervention, postoperative complications, and 3-month follow-up outcomes were analyzed. Results: The mean age was 3.8 ± 2.6 years, with a male predomi nance (63.7%). The most common presenting symptoms were fever (63.7%), respiratory distress (57.1%), and cough (51.6%). Infectious conditions accounted for the majority (71.5%), followed by congenital anomalies (18%).The most common procedures were open decortication (37.5%) and chest drain insertion (31.9%) and, with limited use of VATS (2.2%). Right-sided involvement was more frequent 60.4% vs 39.6% left-sided. Postoperative complications occurred in 7.69% of patients, most commonly surgical empyema or recurrent pleural effusion, occurring 3.3% cases surgical site infection, pyothorax, anastomotic leak following EA/TEF (Esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula) repair, and post-decortication re-intervention requiring chest tube reinsertion, each occurring in 1 patient (1.1%).The overall mortality rate was 3.3%.At 3-month follow-up, 91.2% of patients had complete recovery, while 5.5% had mild residual symptoms. Conclusion: Although Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute has shown encouraging results in pediatric thoracic surgery, regular healthcare is hindered by poor infrastructure and delayed diagnosis and referral.

Journal of Paediatric Surgeons of Bangladesh (2026) Vol. 15 (1 & 2): 39–43