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Video: Single-incision video-assisted thoracoscopic right pneumonectomy
Diego Gonzalez-Rivas1, Mercedes de la Torre, Ricardo Fernandez
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Coruña University Hospital, Xubias 84, 15006 Coruña, Spain. diego.gonzalez.rivas@sergas.es
Surgical Endoscopy
|January 12, 2012
Summary
This study demonstrates the feasibility of single-incision video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for right pneumonectomy. This minimally invasive approach offers a safe alternative for selected lung cancer patients, reducing invasiveness.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy commonly uses 3-4 incisions.
- Major pulmonary resections can be performed with a single utility incision.
- This video details a right pneumonectomy using a single-incision, no-rib-spreading approach.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old woman underwent single-incision VATS for a 5-cm right lower lobe adenocarcinoma.
- A 4-cm incision allowed for thoracoscope and instrument placement.
- Digital palpation confirmed tumor extension, necessitating a right pneumonectomy.
Findings:
- The procedure involved dissection of pulmonary veins and arteries, followed by stapling of the main bronchus.
- The lung was removed in a protective bag, and systematic lymph node dissection was performed.
- Surgery time was 210 minutes, with chest tube removal on postoperative day 2 and discharge on day 4, with no complications.
Implications:
- Single-port VATS pneumonectomy is a feasible option for select patients.
- Prior experience with double-port VATS enhances successful implementation.
- Minimally invasive pneumonectomy offers reduced postoperative pain and faster recovery.
