The expected indications for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is still an evolving surgical procedure that can be used for well-selected patients to treat various pathologies such as pleural disease, lung pathology, esophageal disease, diaphragmatic pathology, mediastinal disease, and other conditions. From the review of literature, over the years, for which VATS has been in use showed that SSA with a good sizeable population has still not embraced the surgical procedure. This is so despite the wide spectrum of diseases and clinical conditions in the region for which VATS can conveniently be applied in other to improve post-operative outcome and reduce post-operate mortality rate. Thus, this review should be a wakeup call for the region and to stimulate the desire in them to make consistent efforts by training doctors and putting the necessary infrastructures in place to ensure the adoption of this method of medical and surgical practice as it decreases post-operative complications and post-operative mortality rates.

Management of traumatic diaphragmatic injury—A peep into bowel repair via thoracotomy

“…Another method that has been suggested to avoid injury to the bowel especially when masked with haemothorax was the use of video-assisted thoracoscopy. Video thoracoscopy and video laparoscopy could contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of these lesions, with possibilities for a better postoperative period[ 10 24 25 ] and increased diagnostic yield, especially in patients with multiple rib fractures involving the lower chest wall. [ 24 26 ]…”

“…[ 19 ] It seems that the greatest benefit for these patients would be their care by a multiprofessional team composed of thoracic and abdominal surgeons so that the choice of approach would not be conditioned simply by the surgeon’s greater ability to manipulate one or the other of the cavities. [ 10 ] Laparoscopic approach is associated with a decreased length of stay and more routine discharge than open abdominal and thoracotomy approaches,[ 12 25 ] ditto for video-assisted thoracoscopy. [ 25 ]…”

“…[ 10 ] Laparoscopic approach is associated with a decreased length of stay and more routine discharge than open abdominal and thoracotomy approaches,[ 12 25 ] ditto for video-assisted thoracoscopy. [ 25 ]…”