title: A muscle-saving posterolateral thoracotomy incision.
abstract: A posterolateral thoracotomy incision which spares the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles and provides adequate exposure for major thoracic procedures and structures in the posterior hilum is described. Preservation of these accessory muscles of respiration results in improved respiratory dynamics, decreased postoperative pain, and early recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City 84132.
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Karwande
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Pruitt
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*