Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic early learning curve for major lung resections in a high volume training center.

Background: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for major lung resections is a novel upcoming approach, with increasing popularity worldwide. However, there is little literature regarding this technique's learning curve. We present our experience of the early learning curve of the uniportal VATS major lung resections in a high volume training centre, whilst analysing the advantages.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy.

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy is a technically more complex procedure than uniportal VATS lobectomy, since a detailed comprehension of the segmental anatomy is required. Anatomic sublobar resection can achieve outcomes equivalent to lobectomy in selected patients with stage IA non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). In this paper we describe our clinical experiences and introduce the technical details of uniportal VATS segmentectomy, including expertise advice ("tips and tricks") in patient selection, positioning and incisions and technical highlights of the most common types of segmentectomies.