VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY (VATS) - ENDOSCOPIC THORACOPLASTY TECHNIQUE

Study Design. The study of two patients whose rib deformity was treate d using a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique is reported. Objectiv es. To report a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique for the treatme nt of rib deformities associated with idiopathic scoliosis. Summary of Background Data, Thoracoplasty has traditionally been performed as an open procedure, often necessitating additional incisions and/or tissu e dissection. Methods. Two children with significant rib humps associa ted with idiopathic scoliosis were treated with a new endoscopic thora coplasty technique. Results. Both children showed dramatic cosmetic im provement of their rib deformity. Conclusions. The indications for the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of pedia tric spinal deformity are expanding.(1,6) We have extended our video-a ssisted thoracoscopic surgery repertoire to include endoscopic thoraco plasty for treatment of rib deformities associated with idiopathic sco liosis. The technique for endoscopic thoracoplasty is discussed, and i llustrative cases are presented.