[Trans-sternal bilateral thoracotomy for bilateral metastatic lung tumors]

Trans-sternal bilateral thoracotomy has been performed in 4 patients with bilateral metastatic lung tumors. The primary lesion was rectum in one case and the colon in three cases. Two patients were male and 2 were female. Their ages ranged from 63 to 78 years old. An inframammary incision was made with the patient in the supine position, and the chest was entered via the 4th or 5th intercostal space. This procedure provided excellent exposure of the entire mediastinum. Postoperative pain was comparatively severe in the early postoperative period, but was controlled by administering an epidural block. This procedure allows good exposure of the entire thoracic space through a single operative field. We conclude that trans-sternal bilateral thoracotomy is an excellent approach in the patient with bilateral metastatic lung tumors.