title: Vertical axillary thoracotomy: a functional and cosmetically appealing incision.
abstract: Vertical axillary thoracotomy offers the specific advantages of minimum trauma and maximum preservation of chest wall function. A cosmetically acceptable scar results. The vertical axillary thoracotomy is specifically indicated in patients requiring less than the maximum intrathoracic exposure provided by the most traumatic posterolateral or anterolateral thoracotomy. The surgical technique is presented.
mesh_terms: D001365:Axilla; D002921:Cicatrix; D006801:Humans; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D013903:Thoracic Surgery; D013909:Thorax / Q000601:surgery*