Feasibility of 3-dimensional video-assisted thoracic surgery (3D-VATS) for pulmonary resection.

Chris Dickhoff,Wilson W Li,Koen J Hartemink,Petr Symersky

doi:10.1186/s13022-015-0018-x

Abstract

BackgroundTwo-dimensional video-assisted thoracic surgery (2D-VATS) has gained its position in daily practise. Although very useful, its two-dimensional view has its drawbacks when performing pulmonary resections. We report our first experience with 3-dimensional video-assisted surgery (3D-VATS). Advantages and differences with 2D-VATS and robotic surgery (RS) are discussed.MethodsTo evaluate feasibility, we scheduled patients for surgery by 3D-VATS who would normally be treated with 2D-VATS. The main difference of the equipment in 3D-VATS compared with former VATS equipment, is the flexible camera-tip (100-degrees) and the necessary 3D-glasses.ResultsFour patients were successfully operated for anatomic pulmonary resections. On-the-structure dissection was easily performed and with the flexible camera-tip, a perfect view can be obtained, with clear visualisation of important (hilar) structures. These features highly facilitate the surgeon in tissue preparation and recognition of the dissection planes.ConclusionIn our opinion, 3D-VATS is superior to 2D-VATS for performing anatomic pulmonary resection and we expect an improvement in terms of operation time and learning curve. Furthermore, it is a valuable alternative for RS at lower costs.

Highlights

Two-dimensional video-assisted thoracic surgery (2D-VATS) has gained its position in daily practise
The 3-dimensional video-assisted surgery (3D-VATS) was introduced, which potentially combines the advantages of VATS and robotic surgery
The 3D-VATS technique was used in four patients, all female: two patients underwent 3D-VATS lobectomy for NSCLC, one for pulmonary paraganglioma and one patient had a segmentectomy because of a cavitating nodule and was planned for high-dose steroids because

Summary

Introduction

Two-dimensional video-assisted thoracic surgery (2D-VATS) has gained its position in daily practise. We report our first experience with 3-dimensional video-assisted surgery (3D-VATS). In the search for lower morbidity in thoracic surgery, alternatives for invasive thoracotomies, like the minithoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) techniques, were developed. The latter technique has proven to be feasible and safe, even in the setting of neoadjuvant therapies [1]. The 3D-VATS was introduced, which potentially combines the advantages of VATS and robotic surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing. Dickhoff et al Ann Surg Innov Res (2015) 9:8 the features and feasibility of the 3D-VATS for anatomic pulmonary resections

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion