Single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the diagnosis of intrathoracic lesions

Background and Aim of Study: Diagnostic and therapeutic uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is now considered a feasible and safe procedure with good results. In this retrospective chart review study, I will present our experience in diagnostic VATS at King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: The data of 108 patients undergoing uniportal diagnostic VATS in King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia, from January 2013 to June 2015, were collected through a review of their hospital records. Results: The study included 108 patients (75 males and 33 females) with a mean age of 36.4 ± 8.1 years. The mean operative time was 28.5 ± 6.7 min. The most common morbidity was intraoperative bleeding that occurred in 15 cases (13.9%) and was easily controlled. Failure of VATS occurred in three cases (2.8%) due to massive adhesions, necessitating minithoracotomy. Reinsertion of the intercostal tube was required in 12 cases (11.1%). The mean duration to removal of the intercostal tube was 4.4 ± 0.9 days. The mean hospital stay was 6.4 ± 1.4 days. No operative or early postoperative mortality was recorded. Conclusion: Uniportal VATS is a safe and effective method for the diagnosis of intrathoracic lesions allowing resection of small localized lesions. It has a limited operative time that is improving with progress in the learning curve