Abstract

GUTIERREZ, Edgar et al. Current status of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. rev. colomb. cir. [online]. 2013, vol.28, n.3, pp.212-222. ISSN 2011-7582.

The practice of thoracic surgery has evolved over time. Initially thoracotomy was performed as the only approach in the management of thoracic pathologies amenable to surgical treatment. The technological progress and the advent of video assisted techniques have allowed the advancement of video-assisted thoracic thoracoscopy, positioning it as the gold standard in the diagnosis and treatment of an important number chest diseases. This method permits a rapid recovery, diminution in the surgical trauma and metabolic stress, lesser analgesic requirements, shorter hospital stay, and lower morbidity and mortality rates. Although considered a safe approach, it is not void complications that may require, in a very low percentage, thoracotomy, for which reason surgeons trained in video-assisted thoracic surgery should never ignore the open approach technique.

Keywords : thoracic surgery; thoracic surgery; video-assisted; surgical procedures; operative; complications.

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