Recent developments in uniportal VATS in Asia and beyond

Asian countries have been active in adopting and utilizing uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for management of pulmonary and mediastinal pathologies. With accumulation of experience, the benefits of uniportal over conventional VATS are becoming more established through scientific studies. The limit in terms of safety and feasibility of uniportal VATS for more complex thoracic surgical condition continue to expand, as surgeons are more prepared to extend the applications of the approach beyond their comfort zone. Early diagnosis and treatment of small lung nodules have been facilitated by the safety of non-intubated technique and the availability of accurate localization adjuncts.