Objective To evaluate the advantages of minimally invasive technique for treatment of progressive hemothorax.Methods The study enrolled 62 patients with progressive hemothorax treated by minimally invasive surgery between October 2009 and March 2012.According to the treatment methods,the patients were classified to thoracoscope group (n =47) and urethral catheter balloon blockage group (n =15).Postoperative drainage volume and recovery were detected in both groups.Results All patients in thoracoscope group were healed with the mean operation time of 54 minutes (range,30-120 minutes).Mean effusion removed within thoracic cavity was 1 260 ml (range,700-2 000 ml).Postoperative bedside chest radiography revealed good pulmonary reexpansion without effusion or pneumatosis within thoracic cavity.All patients in urethral catheter balloon blockage group were healed.Chest drainage within postoperative 3 hours was mean 260 ml of fresh blood (range,100-500 ml) and thereafter no more massive bloody fluid discharge occurred.Meanwhile,chest CT reexamination revealed no increase of chest effusion.Conclusion Minimally invasive technique in treatment of progressive hemothorax patients with moderate or less effusion provides accurate effect,minor trauma,rapid recovery,and few complications and hence deserves clinical application.