title: Video-assisted thoracic surgical applications in thoracic trauma.
abstract: VATS is a valuable and safe way to manage many problems in thoracic trauma. It may allow earlier diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic complications of chest injuries with less morbidity. This approach has already demonstrated advantages in such entities as retained hemothorax. The reduced pain and morbidity are attractive features compared with open thoracotomy. VATS continues to evolve in thoracic trauma, but unquestionably has proved value.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 800 North Rutledge, Springfield, IL 62794-9638, USA. shazelrigg@siumed.edu
authors.forename: Ibrahim B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Cetindag
authors.forename: Todd
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Neideen
authors.forename: Stephen R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Hazelrigg
mesh_terms: D003964:Diaphragm / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted