title: Axillary thoracoscopy.
abstract: Thoracoscopy can be done safely and effectively through working ports placed in the axilla in patients whose pathology is in the upper half of the thorax. We have used this technique successfully in 37 patients with no complications. Advantages include superior cosmesis, optimal access to the apex of the chest, and, if necessary, easy conversion to axillary thoracotomy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Northwestern University Medical School, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Backer
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mavroudis
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Joob
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001365:Axilla; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*