Video. Natural orifice transtracheal evaluation of the thoracic cavity and mediastinum.
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.
Yang
Chen
C
Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Liu
Hung-Ping
HP
Chu
Yen
Y
Liu
Yun-Hen
YH
Wu
Ching-Yang
CY
Ko
Po-Jen
PJ
Liu
Hui-Ping
HP
D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008481:Mediastinoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*