Objective: To explore the clinical application of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 672 cases of VATS. There were 17 thoracic diseases such as emphysema, bullectomy for spontaneous pneumothorax, massive bullae, benign tumor of mediastinum, cyst of mediastinum, pulmonary benign tumors, hydropericardium, malignant pleural fluid, etc.
Results: The mean operation time was 57 minutes and there were no intraoperative complications. The bleeding during the operation was less than 100 mL. Postoperative pneumothorax occurred in 4 patients and among them 2 patients were of relapse after 1 month. The intrathoracic drain in most patients was removed with an average of 2. 5 days. A supplementary incision was needed in 10 cases: Six were due to the adhesion of full pleural cavity and 4 were found with the malignant tumor during the operation.
Conclusion: VATS is an alternative approach that provides a safe, less invasive, and effective operation for treating spontaneous pneumothorax, benign tumor of mediastinum, cyst of mediastinum, pulmonary benign tumors, pericardial perfusion, and acute chest trauma patients.