METHODS: This video demonstrated the uniportal procedure for bullectomy and double pleurodesis for PSP. A 2.5 cm incision was made at 4th intercostal space, anterior axillary line. Extra small size wound protector was used and CO2 insufflation was not needed. Adhesion divided with diathermy and visible apical bullae was resected using endoscopic stapler. Abrasive pleurodesis performed by using scratch patch mounted on Robert clamp, gently running along the parietal pleura within the chest wall. In addition, 5 grams of pure talc was delivered into pleural space. Single drain inserted via the port and lung fully inflated upon resuming ventilation by anaesthetist. Drain remained for 48 hours under negative pressure of -20 mmHg and patient usually went home on day 3 post-operatively.
RESULTS: During the period from 2009 to 2015, over 160 cases of PSP were treated using this method by the author. To date, there is no recurrence reported upon follow up at outpatient clinic. There was no mortality and patients resumed active physical activity 8 weeks after the procedure.
CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal VATS bullectomy and double pleurodesis is a safe procedure for treating PSP and effective in preventing future recurrence of lung collapse. This simple approach should be encouraged and performed by all enthusiastic VATS thoracic surgeons.
METHODS: Patient positioned semi-supine with right sided propped up and the ipsilateral arm placed naturally and secured by the side and below the chest wall. Cleaned and draped as for sterile procedure. General anaesthesia and lung isolation achieved with a double lumen endotracheal intubation. A 2.5 cm incision was made at 5(th) intercostal space, anterior axillary line (lateral to nipple line). Extra small size wound protector was used and CO2 insufflation was not needed. Instruments utilised in this case were "not new" and used for laparoscopic surgery 2 decades ago. This video demonstrates the simple technique of right uniportal approach to total thymectomy. Safe en bloc dissection of thymus and thymic tumour with surrounding fatty tissue were performed by combination of careful pleura dissection using diathermy, traction and blunt dissection of thymus. Extra caution when dividing thymic vein branches from innominate vein is prudent in all thymic dissection and prevent intra-operative haemorrhage and subsequent conversion to sternotomy or thoracotomy.
RESULTS: In this video, total thymectomy was performed without complication. The specimen was removed through the port and a single chest tube was placed at end of procedure for 1 day. Patient went home uneventfully on day 2.
CONCLUSIONS: Right uniportal VATS thymectomy is feasible, and this simple approach should be encouraged and performed by all enthusiastic VATS thoracic surgeons.
METHODS: Patient positioned semi-supine with left sided propped up and the ipsilateral arm placed naturally and secured by the side and below the chest wall. Cleaned and draped as for sterile procedure. General anaesthesia and lung isolation achieved with a double lumen endotracheal intubation. A 2.5 cm incision was made at 4(th) intercostal space, anterior axillary line (lateral to nipple line). Extra small size wound protector was used and CO2 insufflation was not needed. Instruments utilised in this case were "not new" and used for laparoscopic surgery 2 decades ago. This video demonstrates the simple technique of left uniportal approach to total thymectomy. Safe en bloc resection of thymus and thymic tumour with surrounding fatty tissue were performed, by combination of careful pleura dissection using diathermy, traction and blunt dissection of thymus. Extra caution when dividing thymic vein branches from innominate vein is prudent in order to prevent intra-operative haemorrhage and subsequent conversion to sternotomy or thoracotomy.
RESULTS: In this video, total thymectomy was performed without complication. The specimen was removed through the port and a single chest tube was placed at end of procedure for 1 day. Patient went home uneventfully on day 2.
CONCLUSIONS: Left uniportal VATS thymectomy is feasible, and preferred for left sided thymoma. This simple approach should be encouraged and performed by all enthusiastic VATS thoracic surgeons.