Transitioning from multiple ports to a single port in video-assisted thoracic surgery: early results

Single-port video-assisted thoracic surgery (SPVATS) is a relatively new minimally invasive thoracic approach and is rapidly being adopted around the world. SPVATS is not merely a variation of the established multi-portal VATS, because it requires specific skills. We here describe our transition from 2-port VATS to SPVATS. From January 2017 to May 2018, we performed SPVATS in 54 patients. The procedures performed included 21 anatomic lung resections and 23 decortications for empyema. Perioperative outcomes were good with few complications and low postoperative pain scores. Despite some challenges due to our location and public health system, we successfully integrated SPVATS into our operative repertoire in a relatively short time.