[Thoracoscopic Pulmonary Resection in Lung Cancer Patients with Pleural Adhesion]

When a presence of significant pleural adhesion is identified at the beginning of surgery, multiple factors determine the outcome of the surgery, particularly when it is performed thoracoscopically. These factors include identification of adhesion at the beginning of the surgery, as well as procedures involved in dissection and additional incisions. If the adhesion is partial, the lack of observation during creation of the surgical field can lead to damage being caused outside the field of view due to traction. Thus, it is important to focus observations. At our department, we started performing thoracoscopic surgery in 1992. Currently, over 80% of annual surgical cases are performed thoracoscopically. We will review our thoracoscopic surgery cases that involved pleural adhesion and discuss the tools and techniques used, as well as providing additional tips for ensuring successful thoracoscopic surgery.