Single-Port Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy

Abstract

The video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) approach to lobectomy varies between hospitals. Although 3 to 4 incisions are usually made, the operation can be successfully carried out using only 2 incisions with similar results. The second incision could be eliminated, and the lobectomy could be performed by using only the utility incision with no rib spreading. This incision is the same as we normally use for VATS lobectomies performed by double- or triple-port technique. The most important steps are the optimal exposure of the lung to facilitate the dissection and the movement of the camera in coordination with the surgical instruments.

This chapter describes this minimal invasive technique for VATS lobectomies with this single-incision approach.