Modified incision and closure techniques for single-incision thoracoscopic lobectomy

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Single-incision video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy offers advantages but presents challenges.
• Chest tube insertion in VATS lobectomy can lead to intrathoracic fluid or air leakage.
• Direct chest tube fixation may cause cosmetic issues at the skin incision site.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce novel incision and closure techniques for VATS lobectomy.
• To mitigate complications associated with chest tube management in VATS lobectomy.
• To enhance cosmetic outcomes following VATS lobectomy.

Main Methods:

• Developed a new incision technique where the skin incision is lower than the intercostal muscle incision.
• Implemented a chest tube placement that transfixes the chest wall muscle below the skin incision.
• Utilized nylon for secure chest tube fixation anchored through subcutaneous sutures.

Main Results:

• The described techniques aim to reduce intrathoracic fluid or air leakage around the chest tube.
• The modified approach is expected to improve the cosmetic appearance of the surgical site.
• These innovations provide a solution to common problems in single-incision VATS lobectomy.

Conclusions:

• Novel incision and closure techniques offer a promising solution for chest tube management in VATS lobectomy.
• These methods address both functional (leakage) and aesthetic concerns, improving patient outcomes.
• Further studies are warranted to validate the long-term efficacy and benefits of these VATS lobectomy advancements.