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Introducción: La cirugía torácica videoasistida por un solo puerto (Uniportal VATS) se ha convertido hoy en uno de los abordajes más utilizados para resecciones pulmonares en muchos centros de cirugía torácica del mundo, en Cuba su introducción es bastante reciente y todavía se encuentra en fase inicial. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados obtenidos por cirugía torácica abierta y Uniportal VATS en pacientes intervenidos en el Instituto Nacional de Oncología y Radiobiología de La Habana (INOR) durante enero de 2016 a abril de 2017. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de corte longitudinal retrospectivo con 60 pacientes atendidos en el INOR durante enero de 2016 a abril de 2017 a los cuales se les realizó cirugía torácica. Resultados: Veinticuatro pacientes fueron operados por Uniportal VATS y 36 a través de la toracotomía, primaron las lesiones del lado derecho, el procedimiento más realizado fue lobectomía. Los estadíos predominantes fueron IA y IB, la mayoría de los procedimientos fue realizada en tres horas o menos, 8 casos se convirtieron, 13 sufrieron complicaciones. La estadía media de los pacientes tratados con Uniportal VATS fue menor que los que recibieron la toracotomía abierta. Conclusiones: El abordaje Uniportal se caracterizó por ser seguro, tener una gran versatilidad, pocas complicaciones y por mejorar la recuperación postquirúrgica del paciente y acelerar su reincorporación a las actividades de la vida cotidiana(AU)

Introduction: Single-port Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (Uniportal VATS) has currently become one of the most commonly used approaches for lung resections in many Thoracic Surgery Centers around the world. In Cuba, its introduction is quite recent and it is still in its initial phase. Objective: To compare the results obtained by open thoracic surgery and Uniportal VATS in patients who underwent surgery in the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology of Havana (INOR) from January 2016 to April 2017. Material and Methods: An observational descriptive longitudinal retrospective study was conducted in 60 patients who underwent Thoracic Surgery in the INOR during 2016 - April 2017. Results: A total of 24 patients were operated through Uniportal VATS and 36 underwent thoracotomy. The lesions predominantly affected the right side and lobectomy was the most performed surgical procedure. Stages IA and IB predominated. Most of the procedures were carried out in 3 hours or less, 8 cases were converted and 13 suffered from complications. The average postoperative length of stay in hospital for patients who underwent Uniportal VATS was reduced compared to those who underwent open thoracotomy. Conclusions: Uniportal VATS is characterized by being a safe procedure with few complications and great versatility. It improves postoperative recovery of patients and accelerates their return to daily life activities(AU)

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Resumen: Introducción: La cirugía torácica videoasistida es hoy un procedimiento aceptado por ser seguro, factible y efectivo para el tratamiento de casi todas las enfermedades del tórax. En el 2010 se comienzan a publicar procedimientos complejos por un solo puerto, con una gran expansión a nivel mundial. Esta vía de abordaje es al menos equiparable a la multiportal en lo que concierne a resultados en el postoperatorio, o incluso mejor en lo referente a dolor, neuralgia intercostal y estadía hospitalaria. Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de los procedimientos uniportales entre septiembre de 2018 y agosto de 2020. Resultados: 40 pacientes fueron sometidos a procedimientos por vía uniportal torácica. De estos, 18 pacientes fueron sometidos a resecciones anatómicas (45%), 19 a resecciones atípicas (no anatómicas), una timectomía y dos biopsias pleurales. Se realizaron 12 lobectomías (30%), 3 neumonectomías (7,5%) y 3 segmentectomías (7,5%). Se convirtieron a cirugía abierta 6 pacientes (15%) y falleció un paciente por sepsis respiratoria. En cuanto a las complicaciones tuvimos en las resecciones anatómicas ocho complicaciones (cinco mayores), en las no anatómicas 4 complicaciones (2 mayores). Del postoperatorio un paciente con dolor de más de un mes de evolución, uno con parestesias en el territorio intercostal y dos con disnea. Las resecciones anatómicas tuvieron una media de internación de 8 días y 5.8 días de drenaje pleural, mientras que las no anatómicas 5,5 días de internación y 3.3 días de drenaje pleural. Conclusión: la cirugía uniportal es segura y practicable en centro de bajo volumen.

Abstract: Introduction: video assisted thoracic surgery is widely accepted today as a safe, feasible and effective procedure to treat almost all thoracic conditions. In 2010, uniportal complex procedures begin to appear in scientific publications around the world, evidencing major expansion. This surgical approach is at least comparable to the multiportal approach in terms of postoperative results or even in regards to pain, intercostal neuralgia and length of hospital stay. We performed a retrospective study of uniportal procedures between September 2018 and August 2020. Results: 40 patients underwent uniportal thoracic surgeries. 18 of these were subject to anatomic resections (45%), 19 to atypical resection (non-anatomic), one thymectomy and two pleural biopsies, 12 lobectomies (30%), 3 neumomectomies (7,5%) and 3 segmentomectomies (7,5%). In 6 patients the procedure was converted to an open surgery (15%) and one patient died for respiratory sepsis. As to the occurrence of complications, 8 complications were seen in anatomic resections (5 major complications) and 4 complications in non-anatomic resections (2 major complications). One patient reported pain that lasted over one week in the postoperative stage, another one referred paresthesia and two reported dyspnea. Length of stay in the hospital was 8 days in anatomic resections and 5.8 days of pleural drainage, whereas in non-anatomic resections it was 5.5 and 3.3 respectively. Conclusion: uniportal surgery is safe and feasible in a relatively small health center.

Resumo: Introdução: a cirurgia torácica videoassistida é hoje um procedimento aceito por ser seguro, viável e eficaz para o tratamento de quase todas as doenças torácicas. Em 2010, começaram a ser publicados procedimentos complexos por porta única com grande expansão mundial. Essa abordagem é pelo menos comparável à abordagem multiporta em termos de resultados pós-operatórios ou ainda melhor em termos de dor, neuralgia intercostal e internação hospitalar. Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva dos procedimentos uniportais entre setembro de 2018 e agosto de 2020. Resultados: 40 pacientes foram submetidos a procedimentos por via torácica uniportal. Destes, 18 pacientes foram submetidos a ressecções anatômicas (45%), 19 foram submetidos a ressecções atípicas (não anatômicas), uma timectomia e duas biópsias pleurais. Foram realizadas 12 lobectomias (30%), 3 pneumectomias (7,5%) e 3 segmentectomias (7,5%). Seis pacientes (15%) foram convertidos para cirurgia aberta e um paciente morreu de sepse respiratória. Em relação às complicações, tivemos 8 complicações (5 maiores) nas ressecções anatômicas, 4 complicações (2 maiores) nas ressecções não anatômicas. No pós-operatório, um paciente com dor há mais de um mês de evolução, um com parestesia em território intercostal e dois com dispneia. As ressecções anatômicas tiveram internação média de 8 dias e 5,8 dias de drenagem pleural, enquanto as não anatômicas tiveram 5,5 dias de internação e 3,3 dias de drenagem pleural. Conclusão: a cirurgia uniportal é segura e praticável em um centro de baixo volume.

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En las dos últimas décadas la evolución de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva del tórax ha transmutado de un abordaje de tres puertos, siguiendo dos puertos hasta llegar a puerto único, conocido también como VATS Uniportal, procurando un confort mucho mejor para el paciente y resultados quirúrgicos similares. Objetivos. Presentar la técnica quirúrgica de VATS Uniportal en un hospital nacional, efectuadas por un experto internacional en este campo. Pacientes y Métodos. Se presentan dos casos clínicos quirúrgicos: El de una paciente con Miastenia Gravis a quien se le realizó timectomía por abordaje sub-xifoideo y otra paciente, a quien se le completó una lobectomía inferior derecha por hallazgos de patología posterior a la resección de un nódulo pulmonar solitario, reportado como cáncer primario de pulmón. Conclusiones. La técnica de cirugía mínimamente invasiva, VATS Uniportal, ofrece grandes beneficios para el paciente, tanto estéticos como funcionales y su aprendizaje es posible con la transmisión de conocimientos y experiencias directa con la presencia del experto o indirectas a través de la información publicada. (AU)

In the last two decades, the evolution of minimally invasive chest surgery has transmuted from a three-port approach, following two ports until reaching a single port, also known as VATS Uniportal, seeking much better comfort for the patient and similar surgical results. Objective. Present the VATS Uniportal surgical technique in a national hospital, performed by an international expert in this field. Patients and Methods. Two surgical clinical cases are presented: that of a patient with Myasthenia Gravis who underwent thymectomy through the sub-xiphoid approach and another patient, who underwent a right lower lobectomy due to findings of pathology after the resection of a pulmonary nodule. solitary, reported as primary lung cancer. Conclusions. The minimally invasive surgery technique, VATS Uniportal, offers great benefits for the patient, both aesthetic and functional and its learning is possible with the transmission of knowledge and experiences directly with the presence of the expert or indirectly through published information. (AU)

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A 36-year-old-woman, smoker, without other relevant medical history, presented with symptoms of dyspnea, right localized chest pain, and non-productive cough. On the emergency department, the chest X-ray was interpreted as a giant right pneumothorax and a chest drain was inserted. Thoracic computed tomography demonstrated a giant emphysematous bulla with 23 cm on her right upper lobe. We report the first uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery bullectomy for a bulla greater than 20 cm, in a patient with vanishing lung syndrome.

Una mujer de 36 años de edad, fumadora, se presentó en la sala de emergencias por disnea, tos y dolor torácico derecho. La radiografía fue interpretada como neumotórax y se colocó un tubo de drenaje. La tomografía computarizada del tórax mostró una bulla enfisematosa gigante, de aproximadamente 23 cm. Reportamos el primer caso de bullectomía por uniportal VATS en una paciente con síndrome del pulmón evanescente que presentaba una bulla mayor de 20 cm.

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Sleeve resection is used in central lung cancer and the objective is to preserve normal lung tissues. Uniportal VATS approach is a complex and challenging new technique that offers the benefits of minimal invasion, without increasing the risks. We presented a 41-year-old male patient, with history of cough with hemoptysis due to an exophytic lesion of the right main bronchus. Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor type 1 (carcinoid tumor) was confirmed with bronchoscopy. Complete circumferential resection was performed, with terminal-terminal anastomosis and reconstruction. Satisfactory postoperative evolution. In post-surgical follow-up.

La resección bronquial en manga se emplea en tumores pulmonares que invaden estructuras centrales con el objetivo de preservar tejido pulmonar funcional. El abordaje VATS uniportal es una técnica novel compleja y desafiante, que ofrece los beneficios de la mínima invasión sin incrementar los riesgos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 41 años con un cuadro de tos con hemoptisis por lesión exofítica del bronquio principal derecho confirmada por broncoscopia, con diagnóstico de tumor neuroendocrino de tipo 1 (tumor carcinoide), que fue resecado por completo circunferencialmente, con reconstrucción término-terminal. La evolución posoperatoria fue satisfactoria. El seguimiento se realiza en consulta externa.

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Resumen Introducción: Uno de los mayores avances de las últimas décadas en la cirugía de tórax ha sido el desarrollo de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva. Objetivos: Describir la experiencia en videotoracoscopía (VATS) Uniportal de miembros del equipo de Cirugía de Tórax de la Universidad de Chile en 2 campos clínicos, (Clínica Las Condes y Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile). Materiales y Método: Se estudiaron 105 pacientes sometidos a VATS uniportal entre enero de 2016 y enero de 2019. Los datos se analizaron de manera retrospectiva considerando variables demográficas (edad, sexo) y clínicas (diagnóstico, cirugía, estadía hospitalaria, días de pleurostomía, conversión y complicaciones). Resultados: De las 105 cirugías realizadas, 28 (26,6%) correspondieron a cirugías mayores complejas lobectomías y segmentectomías anatómicas. En 4 pacientes se agregó un 2° puerto, uno se convirtió a minitoracotomía y uno a toracotomía (5,7% conversión global). La estadía hospitalaria fue en promedio 3,07 ± 3,1 días y el promedio de mantención de pleurostomía de 2,67 ± 1,61 días. Siete pacientes (6,6%) presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias. Un paciente falleció por progresión de su enfermedad, no hubo mortalidad relacionada a la cirugía. Discusión: Las contraindicaciones de la VATS uniportal son las mismas que en la VATS multipuerto. En manos experimentadas, las complicaciones en cirugía por puerto único son bajas. Impresiona tener menos dolor postoperatorio, menor estadía hospitalaria y reintegración precoz a las actividades diarias comparado con la VATS tradicional. Conclusiones: Se presenta la primera serie de VATS uniportal publicada en Chile. Los resultados obtenidos son comparables a los observados en la literatura. Su implementación y desarrollo requiere de una curva de aprendizaje similar a cualquier nueva técnica quirúrgica.

Objective: To describe the initial results with uniportal Video-Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) performed in two campuses by members of the Section of Thoracic Surgery of the University of Chile ("Clínica Las Condes" and University of Chile Clinical Hospital). Materials and Method: Between January 2016 and January 2019, a total of 105 patients underwent uniportal VATS. Clinical data was collected retrospectively from digital records including demographic (age, sex) and clinical variables (diagnosis, surgery, duration of the chest tube, length of stay, conversion rate and postoperative complications). Results: Uniportal VATS was performed on 105 patients during the study period. Twenty-eight cases (26.6%) corresponded to lobectomy or anatomic segmentectomy. In 4 cases a 2nd port was required, 1 patient had to be converted to mini-thoracotomy and 1 to thoracotomy (5.8% global conversion). Overall, the median length of stay was 3.07 ± 3.1 days and the median duration of chest tube drainage was 2.67 ± 1.61 days. Seven patients (6.6%) presented complications. One patient died due to progression of his disease, there were no deaths related to the procedures. Discussion: Uniportal VATS has similar indications than multiportal VATS. On experienced hands, uniportal VATS has a low morbidity rate. Uniportal VATS appears to produce less post-operative pain, with shorter hospital stay and a faster return to normal life compared to standard VATS. Conclusion: We present the first uniportal VATS series in Chile. Results were similar to published series. Implementation and development of uniportal VATS requires a learning curve similar to any new surgical procedure.

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The uniportal approach for major pulmonary resections began in 2010, with the first case being reported by D González-Rivas and colleagues in La Coruña, Spain. Since then, in different countries, thoracic surgeons had been performing hundreds of cases, with more advanced and complex procedures. Nowadays, there are reports of uniportal tracheal resection and reconstruction, carinal resection, bronchoplastic procedures, lobectomies with en bloc chest wall excision, and vascular reconstruction with optimal outcomes. The development of technologies and the potential benefits of a direct view, anatomic instrumentation, better cosmesis, and, potentially, less postoperative pain have led uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery to grow exponentially worldwide.

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This is a report of the first three days Uniportal VATS International Meeting. The conference included oral presentations at the Universidad Catolica Argentina (UCA), on the first day. Live Surgery from Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, China, and Clinica San Camilo. Bs As, Argentina on the second day and a Wet lab in Fundación Triada Mininvasiva, Fatima Pilar on the final day.

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Pneumonectomy has higher morbidity and mortality rate than any other anatomic lung resection. It is infrequently performed by VATS and mostly in high volume centers. The handling of central vessels with long instruments across very small incisions instead of palpation is the main cause of surgeon's discomfort and resistance to perform this radical type of resection. Published data on VATS pneumonectomy is still limited and based on case series. Nevertheless, the available series suggest that VATS pneumonectomy is at least equivalent to open pneumonectomy. Through a case presentation illustrated with surgical videos, we aim to describe the main technical features of a uniportal VATS right pneumonectomy for lung cancer. The clinical indications, contraindications, patient's preoperative evaluation and postoperative care will also be discussed.

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With the evolution of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), the technological aids have come to help skill surgeons to improve the results in thoracic surgery and feasible to perform a complex surgery. The technological aids are divided into three important groups, which make surgical steps easy to perform, besides reducing surgical time and surgical accidents in the hands of experienced surgeons. The groups are: (I) conventional thoracoscopic instruments; (II) sealing devices using in uniportal VATS; (III) high definition cameras, robotic arms prototype and the future robotic aids for uniportal VATS surgery. Uniportal VATS is an example of the continuing search for methods that aim to provide the patient a surgical cure of the disease with the lowest morbidity. That is the reason companies are creating more and new technologies, but the surgeon have to choose properly and to know how, when and where is the moment to use each new aids to avoid mistakes. The future of the thoracic surgery is based on evolution of surgical procedures and innovations to try to reduce even more the surgical and anesthetic trauma. This article summarizes the technological aids to improve and help a thoracoscopics surgeons perform a uniportal VATS feasible and safe.

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Thoracic surgery started the path to minimally invasive surgery over a hundred years ago, with the first thoracoscopic procedure performed by Jacobeus in 1910. Interestingly, these first procedures were performed using a single port approach and were used for diagnostic and minor procedures only. For a long period of time, the progress for minimally invasive thoracic surgery was considerably slow until the early 90s, when video assisted thoracic surgery started to be used for major pulmonary resections. Since then, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) had a widespread use around the world and an ongoing search for a less invasive procedures evolved into uniportal VATS. Now, thoracic surgeons have a variety of choices for minimally invasive thoracic surgery and must be trained in these approaches to keep up with the evolution of the specialty and be up to date with the recommended treatments for diseases needing surgical intervention. The approach chosen by each surgeon is a matter of preference, while keeping in mind certain characteristics specific to the pathology and patient to be treated, the level of training of the surgeon, and the healthcare resources available. As more evidence is collected, the choice for video-assisted procedures, which have currently been proven safe, effective, less invasive and, in general, show good results, will prevail.

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The acceptance of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for minor and major thoracic procedures is growing in South America. This study presents the experience with uniportal VATS in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In a retrospective study, 181 patients were operated with uniportal VATS technique between December 2013 and October 2016. Uniportal procedures included minor and major procedures. Uniportal VATS were analyzed en terms of morbidity, mortality, conversion rate, hospital stay. A total of 181 patients were analyzed. 59% were males and 41% females. The mean age was 58.7. The uniportal VATS procedures included pneumothorax 30, interstitial lung 5, complicated pleural effusion 35, pleurectomy biopsy pleurodesis 40, pericardial effusion 10, mediastinal tumor (posterior) 5, wedge resection 30, anatomical segment resection 6, and lobectomy 20. There were 2 conversions in major resection procedures due to technical difficulties. There was 1 revision for postoperative hemothorax. The mean hospital stay was 4.9 days for the whole group. Uniportal VATS is a safe technique in thoracic surgery. Maintains the oncological principles of traditional open procedures. There are lower, few general complications, lower pain level, lower postoperative morbidity and mortality. Reduces surgical trauma, and reduces the postoperative hospital stay.

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Currently video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and the evolution Uniportal VATS have a worldwide acceptance and Ecuador is not exception when we decided invited to Dr. Diego Gonzalez-Rivas pioneer surgeon in the world of single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic procedures, with the aim to provide a faster recovery of the patients compared to those who received a conventional thoracotomy. We thanks the opportunity to present a report to the first Masterclass in Uniportal VATS with live surgery, performed on February 23rd to 24th of 2017 at the Luis Vernaza Hospital in Guayaquil-Ecuador. In addition to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the uniportal VATS technique we presented a video of uniportal VATS left lower lobectomy performed by Dr. Diego Gonzalez-Rivas during the first uniportal masterclass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

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BACKGROUND: The use of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been increasing worldwide. Our main goal was to describe the evolution of uniportal surgery in the biggest private hospital in Latin America that is located in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This descriptive and retrospective study included patients who underwent uniportal VATS in the thoracic surgical department of Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, after being referred to our team to undergo the aforementioned procedure within the period from February 2012 to March 2016. Postoperative management and results were analyzed. RESULTS: In the thoracic surgical department of Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, 454 uniportal VATS surgeries were performed. Of the patients, 287 (65.52%) were male and 151 (34.48%) were female, with a mean age of 57.48±23.4 years. In December 2015, we initiated anatomical pulmonary resections (lobectomies and segmentectomies). In the cases of uniportal lobectomies for lung cancer in the initial staging, lymphadenectomy was performed in all the patients, of whom 59 (87%) had at least seven lymph nodes included in the dissection and confirmed in the pathological anatomy report. Four of the uniportal lobectomy cases were converted to thoracotomy because of bleeding. One patient needed blood transfusion and vasoactive drug administration in the intensive care unit (ICU), and seven patients required pleural procedures (thoracentesis or pigtail catheter) after drainage removal. No operative or perioperative mortality related to the procedure occurred. The main hospital stay was 7.4±4.3 days. CONCLUSIONS: The uniportal thoracic procedures performed by our surgical team in São Paulo represent a breakthrough in the surgical treatment of thoracic pathologies in Southeast Brazil and can be offered as a safe and first-choice VATS procedure in our institution.

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The subxiphoid uniportal video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a new interesting approach for the resection of anterior mediastinal masses and lung resections. For this reason in cases with both pathologies is an ideal approach to perform both procedures at the same time without multiple incisions. The evolution in the surgery of thymoma is getting less invasive, from the transsternal thymectomy to the minimally invasive Thoracic surgery improving the recovery of the patients and with satisfactory postoperative results, otherwise the anatomical view of the main structures and the recognition of the vascular anatomy, and his variants is feasible. In those cases with synchronic masses, the Subxiphoid approach is an ideal option in hands of experienced surgeons. In this video, we present the case of a right upper lobectomy and a thymectomy by subxiphoid approach in which the anatomical variations of the thymic artery are well recognized, and both procedures were completed without complications.

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We report the first uniportal right main sparing bronchial resection in Brazil. The procedure was performed live at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo during the II Brazil uniportal video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) advanced masterclass. Another uniportal VATS right upper lobectomy with bronchoplasty, uniportal VATS S6 left segmentectomy and a subxiphoid uniportal VATS mediastinal tumor, were performed as well. This VATS program was conducted in São Paulo for the first time in 2016. We hope to extend the course to other centers around the country in the next year.

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When talking about lung cancer, it is important to recognize this as the first cause of death of neoplastic origin. The detection of this in early stages has made the emergence of ground glass opacity (GGO) more frequent due to the establishment of lung cancer screening programs, allowing the reduction of morbidity and mortality caused by the same and achieving a curative treatment of it. The management of multiple GGOs depends much on the characteristics of these, however, being multiple and contralateral should be considered surgical resection, always taking into account the stage of the dominant lesion. In this article, we present a case of a 60 years old woman with a bilateral GGO lesions located in segment 3 on both sides. A bilateral uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) anatomic segmentectomy S3 of both lesions was performed in a single stage surgery. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful.

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Uniportal thoracic surgery is being continuously adopted by thoracic units around the world. Growing interest in the procedure is demonstrated by numerous workshops and training programs along every continent. The success of the technique lies in that it does not compromise oncologic principles and be carried out safely when proper training is acquired. For a surgeon to be able to perform a uniportal lobectomy successfully and safely proper steps must be ensuring. Multiple key maneuver and tricks are inherent to the uniportal approach. This article summarizes the equipment and key steps necessary to do a uniportal lobectomy.

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Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) surgery has become the standard technique in Thoracic Surgery since its introduction 20 years ago. Single port VATS appeared as the next step in its evolution, with rapid development since the first uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy (VATS lobectomy) by Dr. Diego Gonzalez-Rivas. During the last 5 years, the approach has been simplified, standardized and taught in many countries, courses, live surgery and dedicated programs, with reproducible results. Hands-on courses represent the best way to learn a new surgical technique, as it shortens learning curves and decreases complications. We present the first training course in single port VATS in our country, which became the first hands course in Thoracic Surgery in Chile.