Microthoracoscopy: at the cutting edge of thoracic surgery

Two 2-mm microthoracoscopies were performed using two ports (Minisite 2-mm disposable introducer and Minisite 2-mm 0 degrees laparoscope; U.S. Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, CT). A 47-year-old man with multiple bilateral pleural lesions had a right diagnostic 2-mm microthoracoscopy and multiple microthoracoscopic biopsies. He was discharged the next day with minimal discomfort and returned to work the following day. The second patient was a 74-year-old woman, 10 years after left radical mastectomy for carcinoma, with a multitude of medical problems and a right recurrent pleural effusion. She underwent a right diagnostic 2-mm microthoracoscopy, multiple microthoracoscopic biopsies, and electrocoagulation pleurodesis. She was not discharged because of concurrent conditions. She had no disability and no pain whatsoever from the procedure.