ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the feasibility,safety,technical points and clinical effects of completely thoracoscopic resection of benign neurogenic tumors on apical chest.Methods From January 2004 to June 2009,11 patients underwent surgical resection of benign neurogenic tumours on apical chest.A complete thoracoscopy was used in 5 cases,and the remaining 6 cases received traditional open thoracotomy.By analysis on the clinical symptoms,tumor types,complications,operative time,blood loss and drainage time after operation,the advantages and disadvantages of complete thoracoscopy were compared to traditional open thoracotomy for resection of benign neurogenic tumors on apical chest.Results There was one patient in each group that suffered from light transient Horner's syndrome,who recovered spontaneously.The group of complete thoracoscopy was superior to the group of traditional open thoracotomy in operative time,blood loss during the operation,drainage time and postoperative hospital stay.Conclusion For benign neurogenic tumors on apical chest,a resection with complete thoracoscopy is as safe and effective as the traditional open thoracotomy,and the former is characterized by less operative trauma and quicker recovery.