[Posterior thoracotomy in ventral decubitus]

The rigidity of the chest wall, thank to its bone framework, determines the variety of operative access in thoracic surgery, both thoracoscopic and open. The posterior thoracotomy on the bed of the resected rib in ventral decubitus is traditionally but gratuitously rarely used access. The method permits comfortable access to trachea, bifurcation, main bronchi and thoracic esophagus. It can also be used in cases of foregoing thoracothomy. Authors own the experience of 111 cases with the use of posterior thoracotomy in ventral decubitus. The access proved to be preferable for the operations on the membranous part of the trachea and main bronchi, some localizations of thoracic tracheoesophageal fistula. The access suggests fast mobilization of the root of the lung without foregoing pneumolisis, which is important in cases of pleural cavity obliteration after tuberculosis or pleural empyem.