BACKGROUNDWith the improvement of instrument and operative technique, video-assisted thoracoscopy is more and more widely used. The aim of this study is to summarize and discuss the results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 76 patients with thoracic tumors.

METHODSThe data of 76 cases were analyzed retrospectively. From July 1997 to June 2004, 76 patients (46 men and 30 women) with thoracic tumors underwent VATS for peripheral pulmonary nodules (52), leiomyoma of esophagus (10), mediastinal lymphadenectasis (6), malignant pleural fluid (5), bronchogenic cyst (1), mediastinal cyst (1), neurofibroma (1).

RESULTSAll procedures were performed successfully under VATS except for 8 cases, who were converted to thoracotomy for lung cancer. There was no mortality or severe complication in this series.

CONCLUSIONSVATS is a safe and effective technique in selected patients with thoracic lesions. The overall incidence of perioperative complication is low. VATS has obvious advantages in treatment of benign thoracic lesions, however, the indications should be selected carefully for malignant tumors.