Thoracoscopic evaluation and treatment of thoracic trauma

Video-assisted thoracoscopy has become a reality since the evolution of end oscopic instrumentation began in the early 1990s. These technologies provid e more thorough and precise visualization of the thoracic cavity and its co ntents. In 1993, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was introduced into trauma care in a series that evaluated diaphragmatic injury. Today, V ATS is being used in a variety of pulmonary, chest wall, mediastinal, neuro logic, and cardiac surgical procedures. VATS has been added to the trauma a rmamentarium for treating hemothorax, diaphragmatic injuries, posttraumatic empyema, and persistent air leaks.