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. 2015 Dec;7(12):2348-51.
doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.12.38.

A new approach for video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy "the caudal position"

Giampiero Dolci  1 , Andrea Dell'Amore  1 , Niccolò Daddi  1
Affiliations

A new approach for video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy "the caudal position"

Giampiero Dolci et al. J Thorac Dis. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Despite a general agreement about effectiveness of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy the surgical technique is still not standardized, and many technical variations have been described until now. We describe our technique to perform thoracoscopic lobectomy by a caudal approach.

Methods: We studied a position in which the operator stays from the inferior side of the thorax, positioning the patients in a lateral sitting position. This position ensures the operator to enjoy all the benefits of the anterior and posterior approach limiting the disadvantages of both. The surgeon maneuvers are further assisted and simplified by the movement of the surgical bed.

Results: We perform 23 "caudal video assisted-lobectomy" for non-small cell lung cancer. The conversion rate was 0% and we had no complications related with the new approach.

Conclusions: We think that our new position could be considered a further effective technical variation to perform VATS-lobectomy.

Keywords: Thoracoscopy; lung cancer; thoracic surgery; video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The position of the patient on the surgical table.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Intraoperative disposition of surgeons, nurse and monitors.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Surgical table adjustment for anterior and posterior dissection of the pulmonary hilum and lymphadenectomy (4). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/737
Figure 4
Figure 4
Surgical table adjustment for dissection of the upper and inferior structures of the chest and lung fissures (5). Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/738
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Whitson BA, Groth SS, Duval SJ, et al. Surgery for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review of the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery versus thoracotomy approaches to lobectomy. Ann Thorac Surg 2008;86:2008-16; discussion 2016-8. - PubMed
    1. Walker WS, Codispoti M, Soon SY, et al. Long-term outcomes following VATS lobectomy for non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2003;23:397-402. - PubMed
    1. Dolci G, Dell’Amore A, Daddi N. Surgical table adjustment for anterior and posterior dissection of the pulmonary hilum and lymphadenectomy. Asvide 2015;2:159. Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/737
    1. Dolci G, Dell’Amore A, Daddi N. Surgical table adjustment for dissection of the upper and inferior structures of the chest and lung fissures. Asvide 2015;2:160. Available online: http://www.asvide.com/articles/738