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Updated: May 16, 2026
05:39
Non-Intubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery
Published on: May 26, 2023
Complete Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery vs Open Surgery for Rib Fracture: Impacts on Postoperative Inflammation
Biao Qin1, Gaolan Yang1, Dejun Shu1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Zunyi), 563000 Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia
|May 15, 2026
Summary
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for rib fractures leads to reduced inflammation and better functional recovery compared to open surgery. This minimally invasive approach offers improved outcomes for patients with rib fractures.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Rib fractures (RF) can cause significant pain, inflammation, and functional impairment.
- Surgical fixation of rib fractures is employed to stabilize the chest wall and improve outcomes.
- Conventional open thoracotomy carries risks of surgical trauma and postoperative complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of complete video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) rib fracture fixation versus conventional open thoracotomy.
- To evaluate differences in surgical parameters, inflammatory markers, and postoperative discomfort between VATS and open procedures.
- To assess long-term functional outcomes and complication rates associated with each surgical approach.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter retrospective cohort study involving 141 patients with rib fractures.
- Patients were categorized into VATS (n=70) and open thoracotomy (n=71) groups based on surgical procedure.
- Comparison of perioperative variables, inflammatory biomarkers (WBC, NEU%, CRP, PCT, IL-6), and functional outcomes (RFFS) using repeated-measures ANOVA and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The VATS group exhibited significantly lower levels of WBC, CRP, PCT, and IL-6 at 24 hours, 72 hours, and pre-discharge compared to the open thoracotomy group.
- VATS was associated with a lower incidence of implant removal due to foreign-body sensation and fewer electrolyte disturbances.
- Patients undergoing VATS demonstrated a higher likelihood of achieving a favorable functional recovery (RFFS score ≥80).
Conclusions:
- Complete thoracoscopic rib fracture fixation is a superior approach, significantly reducing surgical trauma and inflammatory response.
- VATS leads to improved postoperative recovery and a lower incidence of complications compared to open thoracotomy.
- The VATS technique is independently associated with better functional outcomes in patients with rib fractures.
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