Investigating Students' Perceptions towards Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education.

Implementing a reform in medical education requires students' awareness regarding the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern medical practice. The objective of this study was to investigate students' perceptions of AI in medical education. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June 2021 to November 2021 using an online questionnaire to collect data from medical students in the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University, Kuwait. The response rate for the survey was 51%, with a sample size of 352. Most students (349 (99.1%)) agreed that AI would play an important role in healthcare. More than half of the students (213 (60.5%)) understood the basic principles of AI, and (329 (93.4%)) students showed comfort with AI terminology. Many students (329 (83.5%)) believed that learning about AI would benefit their careers, and (289 (82.1%)) believed that medical students should receive AI teaching or training. The study revealed that most students had positive perceptions of AI. Undoubtedly, the role of AI in the future of medicine will be significant, and AI-based medical practice is required. There was a strong consensus that AI will not replace doctors but will drastically transform healthcare practices.

Evaluating the success of the tele-pathology system in governmental hospitals in Kuwait: an explanatory sequential mixed methods design.

BACKGROUND: Telepathology is the practice of reviewing and exchanging pathological images through telecommunication systems to obtain diagnoses remotely. Studying the factors that make such a system successful and favourable is important to ensure the merits of its implementation in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the success of a telepathology system from the users' perspectives, using specific evaluation criteria, namely: system quality, information quality, technical service quality, user satisfaction, and benefits. METHODS: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was adopted in this study, which consists of two phases. Initially, a questionnaire was distributed via WhatsApp to all of the pathologists (total: 45) working at governmental hospitals in Kuwait. Followed by, semi-structured interviews with ten senior pathologists. RESULTS: Forty pathologists responded to the questionnaire, giving an 89% response rate. There were 42.5% of the respondents aged between 35-44 years old, and 52.5% were male. The quantitative results reveal that most of the respondents were satisfied with the quality of the telepathology system with a mean of 2.6025 (Standard Deviation (SD) = 0.47176), whereas they were dissatisfied with the quality of the information with a mean of 2.4100 (SD = 1.580) and the technical support services with a mean of 2.2750 (SD = 0.99535). In addition, there was disagreement on the benefits of telepathology in clinical practice among the pathologists with a mean of 2.4667 (SD = 0.77552). The qualitative results indicate that the lack of interest in and little experience with using the system were behind the general dissatisfaction of most of the respondents. All of the interviewees were satisfied with the performance of the telepathology system and considered it successful; however, the quality of the technical support services, including training workshops, was deemed deficient. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that telepathology system in Kuwait is functioning well and has been successful in its implementation; however, pathologists are dissatisfied with it, mainly due to the deficient quality of the technical support services provided. In addition, the successful implementation of such advanced technologies requires careful steps to be taken on multiple levels: technical, organisational, and managerial. Recommendations were suggested.

Usefulness of smartphone use among surgeons in clinical practice during the pandemic of COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: With the magnitude and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the usual face-to-face consultation within a clinical setting is no longer feasible. Thus, this led to the need for alternate means to provide adequate patient care for surgical patients. This is where the role of smartphones comes into play, in which it is thus of paramount importance. This research study aimed to assess the usefulness of smartphones in surgical practice during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on a questionnaire distributed among surgeons in different levels of practice working at Kuwait governmental hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was developed via Google Docs to collect data for the current study. RESULTS: Out of 600 surgeons, 180 have responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 30%. Of these, 42.8%, 85.5%, and 58.9% were aged between 35 and 44 years, were male, and Kuwaiti nationals, respectively. Almost all of the respondents (99.5%) were using smartphones for hospital-related work. The most common uses of the smartphones involved texting (70%), and viewing or taking images and videos using built-in cameras (60%) either in the emergency department, outpatient clinics, wards, or operating rooms. The majority of the respondents (88%) rated the use of smartphones in practice as important. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that using smartphones in surgical practice was prevalent among the respondent surgeons in Kuwait during the pandemic. The majority of them considered using smartphones in practice to be important, due to its benefits in facilitating doctor-doctor and patient-doctor communication, reviewing the literature, and making clinical decisions. Guidelines are required for proper and legal use of smartphone devices in medical practice. Accordingly, recommendations are suggested.

Comparison of the problem based learning-driven with the traditional didactic-lecture-based curricula.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Problem-based learning (PBL) with the traditional lecture-based curricula. METHODS: The single best answer Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) were used to compare performance of the lecture-based curriculum with the PBL medical student groups. The reliability for the MCQs and OSCE was calculated with Kuder-Richardson formula and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. The content validity of the MCQs and OSCE were tested by the Independent Subject Experts (ISE). The Student's t-test for independent samples was used to compare the item difficulty of the MCQs and OSCE's, and the Chi-square test was used to compare the grades between the two student groups. RESULTS: The PBL students outperformed the old curriculum students in overall grades, theoretical knowledge base (tested with K2 type MCQs) and OSCE. The number of the PBL students with scores between 80-90% (grade B) was significantly (p=0.035) higher while their number with scores between 60 to 69% (grade C) was significantly p=0.001) lower than the old curriculum students. Similarly, the mean MCQ and the OSCE scores of the new curriculum students were significantly higher (p = 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively) than the old curriculum students. Lastly, the old curriculum students found the K2-MCQs to be more (p = 0.001) difficult than the single correct answer (K1 type) MCQs while no such difference was found by the new curriculum students. CONCLUSIONS: Suitably designed MCQs can be used to tap the higher cognitive knowledge base acquired in the PBL setting.

Avoiding honest feedback: discordance between formal evaluations and candid assessments of Kuwaiti PBL students.

BACKGROUND: Problem-based learning (PBL) allows faculty to observe students interact and solve problems. Thus, it represents a prime opportunity to provide authentic feedback on learners' knowledge, skills, and attitudes. However, we are concerned that PBL faculty do not accurately convey feedback to students. METHODS: To assess the difference between formal evaluations and candid assessments of student performance, we conducted a study of 178 preclinical medical students at Kuwait University. We quantitatively compared PBL evaluations of students with candid assessments of students' competence as obtained from structured interviews with 19 PBL facilitators. We also compared facilitators' comments on the module evaluations with candid comments solicited during the interviews. RESULTS: We did not find a strong quantitative or qualitative correlation between faculty feedback and their candid impressions of student performance. Thematic analysis of the comments disclosed multiple factors that influenced the accuracy and specificity of faculty feedback. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic discrepancies between feedback given to students and actual assessments of their performance can result in false reassurance of competence, which undermines our curricular efforts and prevents the trainee from achieving his or her full potential.

Selection criteria of residents for residency programs in Kuwait.

BACKGROUND: In Kuwait, 21 residency training programs were offered in the year 2011; however, no data is available regarding the criteria of selecting residents for these programs. This study aims to provide information about the importance of these criteria. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from members (e.g. chairmen, directors, assistants …etc.) of residency programs in Kuwait. A total of 108 members were invited to participate. They were asked to rate the importance level (scale from 1 to 5) of criteria that may affect the acceptance of an applicant to their residency programs. Average scores were calculated for each criterion. RESULTS: Of the 108 members invited to participate, only 12 (11.1%) declined to participate. Interview performance was ranked as the most important criteria for selecting residents (average score: 4.63/5.00), followed by grade point average (average score: 3.78/5.00) and honors during medical school (average score: 3.67/5.00). On the other hand, receiving disciplinary action during medical school and failure in a required clerkship were considered as the most concerning among other criteria used to reject applicants (average scores: 3.83/5.00 and 3.54/5.00 respectively). Minor differences regarding the importance level of each criterion were noted across different programs. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided general information about the criteria that are used to accept/reject applicants to residency programs in Kuwait. Future studies should be conducted to investigate each criterion individually, and to assess if these criteria are related to residents' success during their training.

Inflammation and apoptosis in aortic tissues of aged type II diabetes: amelioration with alpha-lipoic acid through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt- dependent mechanism.

AIMS: Endothelial dysfunction is a key triggering event in the development of cardiovascular diseases and the current study explored this phenomenon in the context of inflammation, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway during chronic diabetes. MAIN METHODS: alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA) and wortmannin (WM) were chronically administered to aged Goto Kakizaki (GK) rats, a genetic model of non-obese type II diabetes. Key indices of inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress were assessed using western blotting, real-time PCR and immunofluoresence-based techniques. KEY FINDINGS: A chronic inflammation (e.g., increased mRNA/protein levels of TNF-alpha, ICAM, fractalkine, CD-68, myeloperoxidase) in connection with increased caspase-based apoptotic cell death and heightened state of oxidative stress (HSOS)- appear to exist in diabetic cardiovascular tissues. An assessment of NF-kappaB dynamics in aged diabetic vessels revealed not only a marked increase in cytosolic phosphorylated levels of IkappaB-alpha, NIK, IKK but also an enhancement in nuclear localization of p65 concomitantly with augmented NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity. Most of the aforementioned cardiovascular-based diabetic abnormalities including reduced activities of PI3K and Akt kinase were ameliorated following chronic ALA therapy. WM, given to GK rats negated the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions of ALA. SIGNIFICANCE: Our data highlight a unifying mechanism whereby HSOS through an induction of NF-kappaB activity together with an impairment in PI3K/Akt pathway favors pro-inflammatory/pro-apoptotic diabetic vascular milieu that culminate in the onset of endothelial dysfunction, a phenomenon which appears to be amenable to treatment with antioxidants and/or PI3/Akt mimetics (e.g., ALA).

Complex bronchial ruptures successfully treated with primary reconstruction and limited lung resection.

Bronchial injuries are rare (1.0%-2.8% of all trauma cases) but potentially fatal, with 80% of patients dying before reaching a medical facility. They occur after penetrating or blunt chest trauma. Bronchial injuries require careful evaluation and meticulous operative repair. Adequate diagnosis is missed initially in up to 68% of cases, particularly in the presence of other organ injuries. An early correct diagnosis and prompt surgical management are mandatory to prevent mortality and morbidity.

Headscarf pin tracheobronchial aspiration: a distinct clinical entity.

Foreign body (FB) aspiration is commonly seen in children and less commonly in the elderly. However, due to some social and cultural factors, a distinct group of tracheobronchial FB aspiration is increasingly recognized. We sought to assess our experience with such entity. A retrospective review of all cases with veil pin tracheobronchial FB aspiration in a single center over a 13-year period was carried out. There were 35 cases of headscarf tracheobronchial FB aspiration. All were females with mean age of 14 years. All patients experienced coughing and all had positive chest radiography findings. Commonest anatomical location was right main bronchus (32%) followed by left main bronchus (23%). Tracheal pins occurred in 17%. Rigid bronchoscopy was used more often than flexible bronchoscopy (83% vs. 17%, respectively). Repeat bronchoscopy was required in two cases (6%). Thoracotomy was required in one patient (3%). There were no complications or hospital deaths. Headscarf pin aspiration is seen in middle-aged women who inappropriately place the pins between their lips prior to securing their veils. Bronchoscopy is the treatment modality of choice and surgery is rarely required. Preventative educational strategies should be implemented to reduce such an avoidable risk.

Graft repair of tracheo-innominate artery fistula following percutaneous tracheostomy.

Tracheo-innominate fistula (TIF) is a rare complication following percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT), occurring in < or =1% of cases. It usually develops three days to six weeks after the procedure and is fatal in the majority of cases, even after successful initial repair. We present a successfully treated case of TIF using a Goretex graft to replace the severely destroyed segment of the innominate artery.

Injuries to the major airway after blunt thoracic trauma in children: review of 2 cases.

Tracheobronchial injuries in children occur rarely. Their diagnosis is often very difficult and needs a high degree of suspicion, with in-depth knowledge of the anatomy of and radiological findings for the chest. With proper surgical management, even a delayed diagnosis can result in normal lung function. We discuss 2 cases of major airway injuries with successful outcomes and present some interesting surgical maneuvers.

Risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) in Kuwait. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From January 2002 through December 2003, 254 consecutive cases with a diagnosis of SP were reviewed. Analyses of pneumothorax rates by age, sex, smoking, body mass index (BMI) and climatic conditions were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 254 patients, 242 (95%) were male and 12 (5%) were female; a larger proportion of 180 (88%) were Kuwaitis and 74 (12%) were expatriates. Two hundred and eight (82%) episodes were regarded as primary SP and 46 (18%) as secondary SP. The mean age was 24.5 +/- 5.8 years for primary SP and 45.7 +/- 14.5 years for secondary SP. One hundred and ninety-six (77%) individuals were current smokers. BMI in primary and secondary SP was 19.3 and 22.4, respectively (p < 0.001). There was no relationship between SP and climatic conditions (a rise or fall in temperature, humidity or atmospheric pressure). However, a slight increase in SP occurred in July, probably the hottest month in Kuwait. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that the most important risk factors of SP in Kuwait are smoking, low BMI and the male gender.

Levosimendan or milrinone in the type 2 diabetic patient with low ejection fraction undergoing elective coronary artery surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the hemodynamic profiles and the postoperative insulin requirements in 2 groups of type 2 diabetic patients with depressed myocardial function who underwent elective surgery for coronary artery disease and who received levosimendan or milrinone for postcardiopulmonary bypass low-output syndrome. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The Chest Diseases Hospital, Safat, Kuwait. PARTICIPANTS: Type 2 diabetic patients undergoing elective surgery for coronary artery disease. INTERVENTIONS: Fourteen patients and 16 patients received levosimendan and milrinone infusions, respectively, for treatment of the low-output syndrome. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The hemodynamic, mixed venous oxygen saturation, oxygen extraction ratios, arterial lactate concentrations, and postoperative insulin infusion rates were serially documented for the first 48 hours after the diagnosis. The cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation were significantly higher in the levosimendan group. The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and oxygen extraction ratios were significantly higher in the milrinone treatment group. The insulin requirements were similar for both of the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan was more efficient than milrinone for treating the hemodynamic manifestations of the postcardiopulmonary bypass low-output syndrome. However, all the values in the milrinone treatment group were normalized. In this small population, both treatment groups had similar postoperative insulin requirements.

Pulmonary complications following major lung resection for benign and malignant lung diseases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and to identify the possible associated risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications after major lung resection. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive patients undergoing major lung resection for benign and malignant lung disease over a 3-year period were included in the study. Preoperative assessment clinical parameters, intraoperative and postoperative events were recorded. Pulmonary complications were noted according to a precise definition. The risk of complications associated with age, comorbidity, forced vital capacity (FVC), blood transfusion and extended operation was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 47.1 years (range 16-80 years), 137 (77%) patients underwent lobectomy, 23 (14%) pneumonectomy, and 15 (9%) bilobectomy. Forty-six (27%) patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications and 2 (1.1%) died within 30 days following the operation. Age > or =65 years (OR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.5-8.6, p = 0.002), the presence of comorbid cardiopulmonary disease (OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.5, p = 0.001), FVC <50% (OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, p = 0.02), blood transfusion (OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4, p = 0.0001), and extended operation (OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.07-0.6, p = 0.005) were the identified factors associated with the development of postoperative pulmonary complications, which necessitated an increased length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Postoperative pulmonary complications are more likely to develop in patients with age > or =65 years with comorbid cardiopulmonary disease, FVC <50%, blood transfusion, and extended operation.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax: clinicopathological correlation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the identifiable pulmonary abnormalities during thoracoscopy with the histological findings in patients requiring surgical intervention for recurrent or persistent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and correlate these with the postoperative events. METHODS: From January 1999 to December 2002, 94 consecutive patients underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge excision and apical pleurectomy for PSP. Vanderschueren's classification was used for macroscopic staging and histological observation for microscopic features. Clinical data of these patients and the outcome of surgery were described. RESULTS: All patients were successfully treated using video-assisted thoracoscopic technique. Recurrent pneumothorax was the most frequent indication for surgery, occurring in 60 cases. The method of management was stapling of an identified bleb or apex of the upper lobe and apical pleurectomy. In 67 cases (71%), clear bullae were found in types III and IV. In 15 cases (16%), type II pleuropulmonary adhesions were identified and in 12 (13%) cases thoracoscopy failed to reveal any abnormality (type I). The actual site of air leakage could be located during thoracoscopy in 24 (26%) patients. Histologically, 74 patients had subpleural bullae/blebs formation and 20 had emphysema without bullae. Fifty-three patients had cellular infiltration and 82 had pleural fibrosis. In the microscopic examination, the actual site of air leakage could be located at the site of subpleural blebs or bullae in 15 patients and elsewhere at the lung surface in five other patients. Postoperative prolonged air leak occurred in 4 out of 12 patients in type I and in two of the remaining patients, p=0.001. Mean follow-up is 48 months (range, 30-60 months) for all patients. Pneumothorax recurred in three patients (3.1%). Two patients from type I (16.6%) and one patient from the other types (1.2%) had recurrence (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopic stapling of an identified bleb or apex of the upper lobe and apical pleurectomy represents the standard treatment for the majority of recurrent or persistent PSP. Most patients with surgically treated PSP have subpleural blebs or bullae or isolated emphysema. In type I cases, simple apical excision and apical pleurectomy are not sufficient and perhaps additional talc poudrage might be indicated.

Prognostic significance of cyclin D1 expression in resected stage I, II non-small cell lung cancer in Arabs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of cyclin D1 expression in primary, resected stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Arabs. A longitudinal cohort study of 98 consecutive patients with resected stage I and II NSCLC were evaluated immunohistochemically for the expression of cyclin D1 and determined its prognostic significance by comparison with follow-up data from January 1994 to December 1999. This study included 76 male and 22 female patients. They represented 31 stage I NSCLC and 67 stage II tumors. Expression of cyclin D1 was detected immunohistochemically in 48 (49%) of the 98 NSCLC. Cyclin D1 expression had significantly higher positive results in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P=0.001), poorly differentiated carcinoma (P=0.001), presence of vascular invasion (P=0.003), and visceral pleural invasion (P=0.005). Patients with cyclin D1-positive tumors had shorter survival than those with cyclin D1-negative tumors (5-year survival rates, 48% and 74%, respectively; P=0.006 by the log-rank test). In conclusion, a higher percentage of NSCLC with visceral pleural invasion, vascular invasion, poor differentiation of the tumor, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have positive cyclin D1 expression than other lung tumors.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation presenting with severe hypoxemia.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of right pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) affecting the right upper lobe, following the incidence of empyema thoracis in the contralateral lung. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND INTERVENTION: A 19-year-old, previously healthy male presented with acute respiratory distress, left pleuritic chest pain, fever and hypoxemia. Clinical findings, laboratory and radiological examinations including pulmonary angiogram were consistent with the diagnosis of left pneumonia complicated with parapneumonic pleural effusion and right upper lobe PAVM. The patient was intubated and ventilated because of persistent hypoxemia. He was successfully treated by percutaneous transcatheter embolization. CONCLUSION: This case shows that percutaneous transcatheter embolization is a safe and effective first option for the treatment of PAVM.

Demographic pattern and clinical characteristics of patients with smear- positive pulmonary tuberculosis in kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to document various clinical factors that are likely to be of help in the control of tuberculosis in Kuwait. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Details of patients with sputum positive for acid-fast bacilli in the period from January 1998 to December 2000 were collected retrospectively from the case records and population statistics from government sources. The data were then tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 526 cases, 83.5% were expatriates and 16.5% Kuwaiti; 373 (70.9%) were male. Of the expatriates, 66.7% were from Asia and the Far East, 5.7% were > or =60 years. The annual incidence was 8.34 per 100,000 population. The lowest incidence was observed in the Jahrah governorate with an overall incidence of 5 (2.0 among Kuwaitis and 6.4 among expatriates) per 100,000 population. The highest incidence overall (10.2) and among Kuwaitis (4.1) was observed in the Farwaniya governorate, while the highest incidence among expatriates was seen in the Capital governorate (13.4). Radiologically, 94 (19.5%) had minimal, 246 (51.5%) had moderately advanced and 141 (29.3%) far-advanced disease. The majority of the patients (72%) had only + status for AFB in the smear. Hypercalcemia (25.7%), hyponatremia (22.15%) and hyperglycemia (29.9%) were common in the patients. Mean serum albumin was low (28.7 +/- 5.5 g/l). Two hundred and forty-seven (47.2%) were declared cured while 116 (22.2%) completed treatment. Comparison between nationals and expatriates showed a significant difference only for age, smoking status, defaulter rate and place of residence. CONCLUSION: The lowest regional incidence was found in the Jahrah governorate. Both biochemical abnormalities and radiologically advanced presentations were common. Disease pattern and response to treatment was purely individual and did not differ with respect to nationality or race.

Lung resection in children for infectious pulmonary diseases.

Lung resection is uncommon in children because of its limited indications. We reviewed and analyzed the records of 31 children who underwent pulmonary resection between 1994 and 2001. The mean age was 7 years (range 1.6-12 years), and genders were equal. Bronchiectasis, lung abscess, necrotizing pneumonia, and destroyed lung were seen in 14, 12, 3, and 2 patients, respectively. Bronchial stenosis and inflammation of the bronchus was found endoscopically in four patients, and a foreign body in one patient. The indications for surgery in chronic sepsis were: recurrent respiratory tract infections, severe bronchiectasis, recurrent hemoptysis, destroyed lung parenchyma, and lung abscess, while the indications for surgery in acute infections were: failed medical treatment, or empyema. A lobectomy was done on 15 patients, lobectomy and lingulectomy on 4, lobectomy and decortications on 10, and pneumonectomy on 2 with no operative deaths. Intra-operative and post-operative complications were seen in 2 and 4 patients, respectively. Mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range 1.5-5 years). Twenty-eight patients were asymptomatic and three had improved. Respiratory function remained unchanged in 14 children. Mediastinal shift and lung overinflation occurred after pneumonectomy. These results show that lung resection can be done safely in pulmonary infection refractory to conservative medical therapy. Pulmonary resection does not alter respiratory function since the resected segments do not contribute to ventilation.

A survey of 150 video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures in Kuwait.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience of indications, technique, and complications as they relate to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the diagnosis and management of intrathoracic diseases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty consecutive VATS procedures, which were performed over a 3-year period, were retrospectively evaluated. Indications included recurrent or persistent primary spontaneous pneumothorax (n = 73 patients), lung biopsies for diagnosis of diffuse lung disease (n = 33), pleural biopsies (n = 18), wedge resections of pulmonary nodules (n = 8), bilateral thoracic sympathectomy (n = 6), decortication (n = 5), mediastinal tumor biopsies (n = 5), excision of bullous emphysema (n = 1), and removal of a foreign body from the pleural cavity (n = 1). An alternative method of manipulating thoracoscopic instruments without using a trocar is described. RESULTS: Of the 150 VATS procedures, 127 (85%) were successfully performed, 6 (4%) were converted to thoracotomy and 17 (11%) had complications. The most common complication was prolonged air leak, which occurred in 9 patients. The average postoperative hospital stay was 4 days (range: 2-17). Diagnostic procedures were considered successful in 32 out of 33 lung biopsies and in all 18 patients with pleural diseases, 8 lung nodules, or 5 mediastinal tumor biopsies. The other 86 therapeutic VATS procedures were effective in 82 (95%) patients. Four (5%) patients had a recurrence of the pneumothorax after VATS. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopy and the use of a nontrocar technique is a safe and effective method for the diagnosis and treatment of intrathoracic diseases.