Thoracoscopic Surgery in Asia

The current method of thoracoscopic surgery [video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)] was adopted almost simultaneously worldwide in the early 1990s.

Owing to our ancestors, Asia has become one of the regions where VATS is commonly performed. Further efforts are being taken by the successors to strengthen this practice.

VATS appears suitable for the Asian population, possibly because of their relatively smaller body size, and further developments in this field are expected.

This special issue aimed to present the various approaches of VATS currently being used in Asia. First, we present various current procedures, such as those limited to the most advanced VATS. Second, we discuss regarding the approaches for further advancements, such as unique three-dimensional (3D) modeling of training platforms for future surgeons, and another is an excellent community of Asian Thoracoscopic Educational Program (ATEP). These are outstanding issues that will expand the potential of VATS. We hope that the current report proves beneficial and promising for surgeons in the future not only in Asia but also around the world.

Acknowledgements

None.

Toshiaki Morikawa