OBJECTIVETo introduce the technique of intrathoracic surgery performed through vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy.

METHODSFrom March 1989 to March 2001, 316 patients underwent intrathoracic surgery through a vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy. 285 patients suffered from patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), 10 congenital esophageal atresia, 8 congenital pulmonary cysts, 6 congenital emphysema, 1 pulmonary sequestration, 5 mediastinal tumor, and 1 eventration of the diaphragm.

RESULTSAll of the patients were successfully treated under satisfactory exposure. No operative mortality and severe postoperative complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONSIntrathoracic surgery performed through a vertical transaxillary minithoracotomy appears to be less invasive, and is a simple, safe, cosmetically acceptable and efficient approach.

Adolescent ; Axilla ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cysts ; congenital ; surgery ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; surgery ; Esophageal Atresia ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Lung Diseases ; congenital ; surgery ; Male ; Pulmonary Emphysema ; congenital ; surgery ; Thoracotomy ; methods