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Video-assisted thoracic surgical procedures: the Mayo experience
M S Allen1, C Deschamps, D M Jones
1Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is safe and effective for select thoracic conditions. This study details 771 VATS procedures, showing a 1.9% mortality rate and highlighting indications and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a less invasive alternative to traditional thoracotomy.
- Evaluating early experiences with VATS is crucial for understanding its applications and limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the initial 3-year experience with VATS at Mayo Clinic Rochester.
- To assess the safety, efficacy, and applications of VATS for various thoracic conditions.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 771 VATS procedures performed between June 1991 and May 1994.
- Analysis of indications, surgical techniques, conversion rates to thoracotomy, mortality, morbidity, and hospitalization data.
Main Results:
- Common indications included pulmonary nodules (333), pleural effusion (208), and pulmonary infiltrate (117).
- The overall conversion rate to thoracotomy was 33.1%, primarily for malignant lesion resection or deep nodule removal.
- Operative mortality was 1.9%, with major complications in 8.3% of non-converted VATS procedures. Median hospitalization was 5 days.
Conclusions:
- VATS is a safe and valuable technique for selected thoracic surgical conditions.
- Conversion to thoracotomy is favored when a curative resection of a malignant lesion is intended.