Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Bilateral Spontaneous Pneumothorax in Supine Position: The Use of a Pillow beneath the Back for Intercostal Space Widening

We performed a single stage video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax in the supine position with both arms abduced and the back slightly elevated using a pillow. While intercostal spaces were not open enough to insert a trocar, this procedure, not requiring the trouble of placing patients in the lateral decubitus position, is beneficial for the single treatment of bilateral thoracic discase.

Key words:

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery - Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax - Supine position

References

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Received for Publication: December 7, 1999