Video-assisted thoracic surgery through a single skin incision

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a standard minimally invasive approach for various thoracic conditions.
• Traditional VATS often requires multiple small incisions, potentially increasing postoperative pain and recovery time.
• Developing single-incision techniques can further enhance patient recovery and reduce surgical morbidity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, minimally invasive VATS technique.
• To assess the feasibility and safety of performing VATS through a single skin incision.
• To determine if this technique can effectively treat pneumothorax without additional incisions.

Main Methods:

• A case series was conducted at a university referral center.
• Six consecutive patients diagnosed with pneumothorax underwent the new VATS procedure.
• The technique involved a single 2.0-cm midaxillary incision, a flexible bronchoscope in a scope guide for full pleural cavity visualization, and an endoscopic stapling device for lung resection.

Main Results:

• The single-incision VATS procedure was technically successful in all six patients.
• No operative complications were recorded during the procedures.
• There were no reported complications at the 1-year follow-up assessment.

Conclusions:

• A minimally invasive VATS technique utilizing a single skin incision, scope guide, and flexible scope was successfully developed.
• This technique allows for complete visualization of the pleural cavity and enables procedures like laser ablation.
• The described single-incision VATS approach offers a viable alternative for treating pneumothorax, eliminating the need for multiple incisions.