BACKGROUND Recurrent thoracotomies regardless of the cause are not a rare occurrence. However, each thoracotomy results in adhesion to some extent. This adhesions increase morbidity and mortality presents a significant inconvenience for surgeons and prolongs the length of operations. OBJECTIVE We investigated the efficacy of Prevadh®, an anti-adhesion agent to prevent intrapleural adesions fo...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Physiotherapy is considered an essential component of the management of patients after thoracotomy, yet the type of interventions utilized, and evidence for their efficacy, has not been established. The aim of the present study was to ascertain the current physiotherapy management of patients undergoing thoracotomy and the factors influencing practice among different prov...

OBJECTIVES Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at an increased risk of pulmonary complications after pulmonary resection. This study aimed to identify whether video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy can reduce postoperative pulmonary complications compared with lobectomy by thoracotomy in NSCLC patients with COPD. METHODS Amo...

BACKGROUND The evidence for resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) in trauma patients following wartime injury is limited; its indications and timings are less defined in battle injury. The aim of this study was to analyze survival as well as the causes and times of death in patients undergoing RT within the context of modern battlefield resuscitation. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was perform...

A modified posterolateral thoracotomy is described that combines the advantages of complete muscle sparing through a thoracolumbar fascial slide with excellent exposure. The technique is easy to perform. The procedure was associated with relatively little postoperative pain, coughing was effective, and early ambulation was achieved. Experience with this approach in the first 49 patients suggest...

The aim of the present study was to compare the oncological outcomes following lobectomy using either video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or thoracotomy in clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Short- and long-term data from 212 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC via VATS or thoracotomy between February 2003 and July 2013 were...