Video-assisted minithoracotomy surgery in treatment of thoracic injuries

Objective: To evaluate video-assisted minithoracotomy surgery(VAMTS) in the treatment of thoracic injuries.Methods: VAMTS were performed on 13 patients.Among them,9 were removed of clotted hemothorax or decortication of lung,(2 cases) were treated with lung lacerated wound patching technique,1 case with diaphragm lacerated wound patching and the diaphragmatic hernia natrium technique and 2 cases were removed of the foreign matters in the lung(bullet).Results: All the patients recovered well.There was no operative mortality or postoperative complications.Conclusions: VAMTS is a safe and effective technique for choracic injuries with the advantages of little trauma and cost efficacy.