title: Muscle-splitting thoracotomy.
abstract: Muscle-splitting thoracotomy avoids transection of the latissimus dorsi and the serratus anterior muscles, thereby decreasing post thoracotomy pain and preserving the function and viability of these two muscles. The exposure provided for most intrathoracic procedures is excellent.
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Sadighi
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Woodworth
mesh_terms: D001415:Back; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*