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Video-assisted thoracic surgery for diseases within the mediastinum
J C Lin1, S R Hazelrigg, R J Landreneau
1Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
The Surgical Clinics of North America
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) revitalizes thoracic procedures, making previously avoided operations feasible. Ongoing review of VATS techniques will refine surgical choices between VATS and open thoracotomy.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques
Background:
- Traditional thoracotomy carries significant patient morbidity.
- Certain thoracic surgical options were underutilized due to perceived risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of VATS on general thoracic surgery.
- To re-evaluate surgical approaches for mediastinal conditions using minimal access techniques.
Main Methods:
- Review of accumulating experience with VATS techniques.
- Critical analysis of surgical indications for VATS versus open thoracotomy.
Main Results:
- VATS has revitalized general thoracic surgery, including mediastinal procedures.
- Minimal access options have made previously shunned procedures more viable.
- Patient and physician perception of surgical morbidity has shifted.
Conclusions:
- VATS offers a less morbid alternative to open thoracotomy for many conditions.
- Continued evaluation of VATS experience is crucial for optimizing surgical indications.
- The emergence of VATS encourages reconsideration of established surgical options.