Clinical application of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in Thoracic surgery

Objective To study the clinical application of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS). Methods Clinical records of 52 cases of VATS from March 2001 to July 2007 were retrosp-ectively analyzed. There were 42 cases of surgical exploration for chest trauma, 10 cases of operat for spontaneous haemopneumothorax. Results There was no mortality and serious morbidity associated with procedures. A conversion to open surgery was required in 3 cases and a supplementary mini incision was needed in 4 cases. Operative time was from 35 to 140 minutes, mene range 65 minutes. The intrathoracic drain was all removed within 48 postoperative hours. Conclusions Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS) is a minimally invasive, speedy recovery, minimally complication method in the treatment of thoracic trauma and Spontaneous haemopneumothorax. VATS is a safe and suitable therapeutic solution for properly selected patients.