Thoracoscopic procedure for intrathoracic diseases: current status in mainland China

One hundred and five patients underwent a procedure of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) during a period of 5 years, in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China. Among them, there were 36 cases suffering from spontaneous pneumothorax, 24 having a nodule of the lung, nine intrathoracic multiple nodules, 10 undefined pleural effusions, eight mediastinal mass, 15 interstitial fibrosis, two pericardial effusion, and one severe emphysema. In all patients of this series, the diagnosis was demonstrated and the suitable management was performed.