Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Prone Lateral Minimally Invasive Retropleural Corpectomy Using a Rotatable Radiolucent Jackson Table
Published on: July 3, 2025
[Computerized modelling of operation (CMO) before thoracoplasty]
Gábor Balogh1, István Garbera, Gábor Ifj Balogh
1Kaposi Mór Oktató Kórház Általános-, Mellkas- és Érsebészeti Osztály 7400 Kaposvár Tallián Gy. u. 20-32. gabbal@freemail.hu
Introduction:
Thoraco-myoplasty (TMP) has proven to be the only successful method of treatment for severe cases of chronic pyothorax (CPT). Great loss of muscle tissue and permanent bone-structure defects with severe functional damage can be caused by this method. The aim of the applied CMO was to prevent additional loss of muscle function. Preoperative evaluation of spiral CT scan 3-dimensional imaging provided a significant aid in decreasing adverse effects of the TMP.
Materials And Method:
Between 1990 and 2010, TMP was applied in 85 patients, whose CPT came from several different origins.
Clinical Data:
average age: 62.7; mortality: 4.8%. Tissue and function preserving TMP was achieved following open treatment after thoracic fenestration in 76 cases, and drainage with continuous suction was performed in 9 patients prior to this. In our department TMP with computerized modeling was introduced as the definitive treatment of CPT in 2006, since then it has been applied in 8 patients.
Results:
The number and length of the ribs to be resected can be anticipated applying spiral CT imaging. Furthermore, accurate volume measurement of the empyema cavity and rotatable muscles (pectoral major and latissimus dorsal) faciliatates elimination of the primary defect during surgery.
Conclusion:
Therefore, we believe that CMO can provide significant aid for surgeons to reduce the negative effects caused by muscle trauma and the structural changes in the thoracic wall.

