RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE UTILITY OF VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACIC-SURGERY IN 100 CONSECUTIVE PROCEDURES

One hundred consecutive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) procedu res, diagnostic (n=54) and therapeutic (n=46), in 90 patients over a 2 -year period are reviewed. Hospital mortality was 2%. Conversion to fo rmal thoracotomy was required in 3%, and re-exploration for bleeding i n 1%. Seven patients required intensive care unit facilities postopera tively. The technique described was safe and there was minimal postope rative morbidity. Diagnostic VATS was of particular use in cases of in determinate pulmonary masses (Sensitivity of 96%), anterior mediastina l masses and in immunocompromised patients. Video-assisted thoracic su rgery may now be the treatment of choice for recurrent pneumothoraces and it demonstrated potential for development in a variety of other be nign thoracic disorders. This method had a limited role in the managem ent of empyaema with a 60% conversion rate to formal thoracotomy. Pulm onary resections were feasible but its role in the treatment of malign ancy is questioned.