Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Lung cancer surgery: from open surgery to minimally invasive techniques
Over the last few decades, lung cancer surgery has evolved significantly. Traditionally, this type of procedure was performed through large incisions in the chest, allowing the surgeon to access the thoracic cavity directly by spreading two ribs.
With advances in thoracic surgery, less invasive techniques began to be developed, using small incisions, usually between 2 and 4 ports of approximately 10 mm. Through these ports, a camera and endoscopic surgical instruments are inserted to access the thoracic cavity and perform lung resection with less trauma for the patient.
Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a single incision to operate on the lung
In 2013, the development of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, also known as Uniportal Videothoracoscopic Surgery, became firmly established. This technique allows the removal of a lung lobe through a single incision in the chest of approximately 2.5 to 3 cm, through which both the camera and the endoscopic surgical instruments required to carry out the procedure are introduced.
Today, uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is the technique we routinely use whenever the specific conditions of the case allow it. Its main advantage is that it reduces the invasiveness of the surgical approach, which directly results in less postoperative pain and a faster recovery.
This earlier recovery enables patients to take a more active role in respiratory physiotherapy, a key aspect in promoting postoperative progress and helping to prevent complications such as pneumonia.