title: Video. Natural orifice transtracheal evaluation of the thoracic cavity and mediastinum.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a novel transtracheal endoscopic technique for thoracic and mediastinum evaluation in a canine model.
  
  
  METHODS
  In two dogs under general anesthesia, a transverse incision was made in the right lateral wall of the lower trachea and used as an entrance for thoracic and mediastinum evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Transtracheal thoracoscopic evaluation was possible in both animals. One animal experienced massive subcutaneous emphysema immediately after evaluation of the thoracic cavity and required chest tube drainage. The follow-up endoscopies 2 weeks after surgery showed good healing of the tracheal openings in both animals.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The transtracheal approach to the thoracic cavity and mediastinum appears to be feasible. This technique may provide an intriguing platform for the development of natural orifice transluminal surgery (NOTES) in the thoracic cavity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Hung-Ping
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yen
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: Yun-Hen
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Ching-Yang
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Po-Jen
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Hui-Ping
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008481:Mediastinoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*