Abstract
Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) is a new modality that allows visualization and access to the intrathoracic organs without performing posterolateral thoracotomy incision. Recent advancements in endoscopic equipment and surgical techniques have expanded the applications of VAT in thoracic surgery. We performed 171 VAT cases, which previously would have been performed through thoracotomy incisions in 116 patients. The operations performed included 3 wedge resections of the pulmonary nodule, 14 pleural or lung biopsies, 1 pericardial window formation, 93 sympathectomies, 40 bullectomies and pleurodeses, 16 biopsies or excisions of mediastinal mass, and 4 lobectomies. Patients who received operation by VAT seemed to have much less postoperative pain and lower complication rates allowing early recovery and shorter hospitalization.
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