THE USE OF SMALL-SIZED THORACOTOMY IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE THORACIC SURGERY / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

To assess the advantage, disadvantage and feasibility of small thoracotomy incision for intrathoracic operations. In 124 patients minimal thoracotomy incisions (MT) were made for infrathoracic surgery from July 1999 to June 2001. The operative approaches consisted of posterolateral incisions in 82 cases, axillary incisions in 17 cases, and anterolateral incision in 25 cases. The operations included 46 lobectomies, 8 pneumonectomies, 27 wedge resections, 13 mediastinum tumor resections, 13 bullae ligations with pleurodeses, 2 esophagectomy and esophagogastric anastomosis, 1 total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy, 9 explorations, and 5 other operations. There was no mortality or serious complication in this group. The patients had a faster recovery with less postoperative pain and better cosmetic result. Minimal thoracotomy incisions are safe and feasible approaches for intrathoracic surgery and worth recommending.