First described over two decades ago, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is now well established for the treatment of early stage non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) (1-6). Thoracoscopic approaches are preferred for many common thoracic procedures because of their predictable salutary effect on outcomes likely brought about by perioperative pain reductions. As widespread surgeon expe...

AIM Minimally invasive surgery is currently a goal for surgical intervention in the spine. The effectiveness of endoscopic thoracic spine surgery and technological improvements are two factors that are always under consideration in the practice of spinal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS We present twenty-five patients whose thoracoscopic spinal surgeries were performed between 2002 and 2008 for ...

BACKGROUND With the easier and earlier recognition of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a reappraisal of its therapy, particularly the role and timing of sympathectomy, is warranted. PATIENTS AND METHODS Over a 9-year period, 42 patients with CRPS type II of the upper extremity were referred for sympathectomy. Patients were categorized according to the duration of the symptoms (group I, ...

Complex regional pain syndrome, vasospastic disorders, and hyperhidrosis are chronic and debilitating upper extremity problems. Twenty-nine consecutive patients treated with thoracoscopic sympathectomy are presented. Diagnoses included complex regional pain syndrome, hyperhidrosis, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease, and peripheral vascular disease. All patients with hyperhidrosis had complet...

BACKGROUND Video assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsies were compared with historical controls undergoing open lung biopsy to determine the diagnostic accuracy, effect on length of postoperative stay, and cost effectiveness of the new thoracoscopic technique. METHODS The first 25 video assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsies performed in the Edinburgh Thoracic Unit were compared with 25 historical...

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), apical blebectomy and chemical pleurodesis are often combined to prevent recurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax [1,2]. Postoperative pain arising from above procedures can be severe, leading to increased length of stay [2,3]. Effective analgesia in the immediate post-operative period is necessary for optimal recovery, and satisfactory postoperative p...

background: pancreatitis is a serious complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ercp) and may cause significant morbidity and even death. there is no effective prophylactic intervention for patients with average risk yet. this study aims to investigate preventive effect of aggressive hydration for post-ercp pancreatitis. materials and methods: in a double-blind controlled ...

BACKGROUND Preliminary experience of video assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy in six patients with bronchogenic carcinoma is described. METHODS Four left and two right pneumonectomies were performed under video thoracoscopic imaging. Thoracoscopic instruments were passed through two separate stab incisions on the lateral chest wall and a separate 6 cm submammary incision was also created to...

Disabling pain together with cachexia is the most important symptom in patients with pancreatic cancer. Abdominal pain is a common debilitating symptom quickly leading to deterioration of the quality of life and performance status [1]. Although only 30-40% of patients report moderate to severe pain at the time of diagnosis, more than 80-90% of them with advanced disease experience severe pain b...