THORACOSCOPIC SPLANCHNICECTOMY - TECHNIQUE AND CASE-REPORT

Division of the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves using a thoracosc opic approach is presented. Splanchnicectomy has been described by sev eral surgeons as a means of palliating chronic pancreatic pain caused by either alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. T horacoscopy represents a minimally invasive approach to the splanchnic nerves. Current three-chip cameras enable a sixfold to eightfold magn ification of intrathoracic structures, and the nerves are easily ident ified. The role of this operation in the thoracic surgeon's armamentar ium awaits larger series of patients with longer follow-up.