Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in 263 Cases: A Retrospective Study

Aim: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (uVATS) is increasingly being used worldwide. In this study, we reviewed our early experiences with the use of uVATS in the treatment and the diagnosis of various thoracic diseases. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2016, a single operator performed uVATS in 263 cases. Medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of the 263 patients included in this study, 164 (62.4%) were male and 99 (37.6%) were female. The mean age of the study group was 51 (range: 17-93) years. Pleural biopsy was performed in 140 patients (88 males, 52 females) and diagnostic wedge resection in 123 patients (76 males, 47 females). The mean duration of wound drainage stay was three (range, 1-14) days; the mean duration of hospital stay was four (range, 2-19) days. Three patients suffered surgical complications including wound infection in two patients and air leak in one patient. Conclusion: It is already known that uVATS is a technically safe and feasible method used for the diagnosis and treatment of various respiratory tract diseases and provides good postoperative results and this view is also supported by us.