title: Modified French window as an alternative to thoracotomy for complex intrathoracic pathology.
abstract: Video-assisted thoracic surgery is associated with less pain and shorter recovery than open procedures. Due to limited exposure, video-assisted thoracic surgery is not suitable for the management of all intrathoracic pathology. Muscle-sparing thoracotomies are smaller, but they are not associated with less pain or faster recovery. A modified French window is a useful approach to complex intrathoracic pathology and may result in less postoperative pain and shorter recovery than standard and muscle-sparring thoracotomies. This technique is suitable for the management of complex intrathoracic disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA. mbm5@gunet.georgetown.edu
authors.forename: M Blair
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: Yvonne M
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Carter
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D013536:Suture Techniques; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000379:methods*