Clinical application of video-assisted thoracoscopy plus minithoracotomy / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the value of video-assisted thoracoscopy plus minithoracotomy (VATM) in the management of thoracic diseases. Methods An 1.5 cm incision was made along the middle axillary line at the 7th costal interspace on the diseased side to introduce the thoracoscope. After the exploration of intrathoracic lesion, another incision 5~8 cm in length close to the lesion was made. The thoracic cavity was opened by way of the costal interspace. Surgical performance of exploration, dissection, hemostasis and suture was performed under thoracoscope and direct vision by using routine surgical instruments and thoracoscopic instruments. A total of 43 cases of VATM were carried out. Results The operation time was 40~150 min (mean, 67 min). The length of incision was 5~8 cm (mean, 6 cm). The chest drainage lasted 2~5 d. No postoperative complications occurred. The postoperative hospital stay was 5~8 d (mean, 6 d). Follow-up found no recurrence for 3~22 months in 18 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax and pleural effusion, and found no recurrence, distant metastasis or incision implantation for 5~20 months in 3 cases of lung cancer receiving either lobectomy or wedge resection. Simple biopsy of tumor was conducted in 6 cases of lung cancer, who obtained chemotherapy or gamma knife radiotherapy postoperatively and survived 5~21 months. Conclusions VATM is practical, minimally invasive and safe. By using routine surgical instruments it has an optimistic outlook.