I prefer median sternotomy rather than thoracotomy for cardiovascular pathologies of the pediatric cases. The only exception is isolated aortic coarctation or PDA. 

Depends on location of the cystic hygroma. Sternotomy is better but we used thoracotomy for complete resection.

Sincerely yours,

Aarhus Denmark

Obviously it depends on the location of the tumor (Surveying).

We recommend the right thoracotomy provided this allows us easy access, we must also consider the aesthetic factor.