Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy: technique and case report

Division of the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves using a thoracoscopic approach is presented. Splanchnicectomy has been described by several surgeons as a means of palliating chronic pancreatic pain caused by either alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. Thoracoscopy represents a minimally invasive approach to the splanchnic nerves. Current three-chip cameras enable a sixfold to eightfold magnification of intrathoracic structures, and the nerves are easily identified. The role of this operation in the thoracic surgeon's armamentarium awaits larger series of patients with longer follow-up.