Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Endoscopic thoracoplasty technique.

Abstract

The study of two patients whose rib deformity was treated using a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique is reported. To report a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique for the treatment of rib deformities associated with idiopathic scoliosis. Thoracoplasty has traditionally been performed as an open procedure, often necessitating additional incisions and/or tissue dissection. Two children with significant rib humps associated with idiopathic scoliosis were treated with a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique. Both children showed dramatic cosmetic improvement of their rib deformity. The indications for the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric spinal deformity are expanding. We have extended our video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery repertoire to include endoscopic thoracoplasty for treatment of rib deformities associated with idiopathic scoliosis. The technique for endoscopic thoracoplasty is discussed, and illustrative cases are presented.