Endoscopic thoracotomy. A new approach to thoracic surgery

Thoracoscopy cannot be performed on all patients, but it is the latest application of endoscopy techniques and has many advantages over conventional thoracotomy. Because the procedure is new, not every surgeon may willing to try it, nor are all who try it skilled in the procedure. When successfully performed, it provides the surgical team with the means to eliminate the discomfort and disability patients encounter with a conventional thoracotomy while shortening surgical, anesthesia, and recovery time, and reducing overall patient costs.