Uniportal video assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy (left approach)

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Thymectomy: Transpleural Approach

There are several types of minimally invasive approaches for thymectomy, of which the transpleural approach by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is particularly useful. In this approach, thymectomy is performed from either side of the thoracic cage. Thoracic surgeons should be familiar with the principles of the procedure, the anatomy of the region, and surgical strategies for successful thymectomy. The details of transpleural thymectomy are discussed herein.

Simultaneous uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for pulmonary nodules and synchronous mediastinal lesions

Introduction

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been widely accepted in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic diseases for the past three decades due to its small incision, minimal trauma, and rapid recovery after surgery. A growing number of patients with concurrent pulmonary nodules and mediastinal lesions have been detected. Simultaneous ipsilateral resection of coexisting lesions is a preferred procedure.

Aim

To introduce our technique and preliminary experience in performing uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for the simultaneous resection of pulmonary and mediastinal lesions.

Material and methods

We retrospectively analysed 8 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous uniportal VATS resection of coexisting lesions of the lung and mediastinum in our centre. The clinical data were recorded and analysed.

Results

A total of 8 patients were enrolled, and all patients successfully underwent surgery through a single incision; no perioperative deaths occurred. The average single incision length was 3.9 ±0.3 cm, the operative time was 102.3 ±54.4 min, and the bleeding volume was 27.5 ±17.9 ml. The thoracic drainage time was 3.0 ±2.3 days, with a mean volume of 390.6 ±361.3 ml. The length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.0 ±1.9 (range: 3–9) days. No serious complications were observed in the hospital or during postoperative follow-up.

Conclusions

Uniportal VATS is feasible and safe for the simultaneous resection of pulmonary and mediastinal lesions in selected patients and offers cosmetically pleasing incisions and promising clinical application prospects.