Technical steps in single port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has transformed the way of treating patients with lung diseases over the past two decades and this is particularly true referred to patients with lung carcinoma. The indication for surgical treatment could be extended to those patients that were functionally unable to receive a thoracotomy and overall this approach shortened the length of stay in hospital and improved the quality of life of these patients postoperatively. The best VATS technique for lobectomy has not been well defined yet. The VATS approach to lobectomy can be performed via 1–4 incisions without rib spreading with similar outcomes. Over the last few years the single port VATS approach has generated a growing interest in the scientific thoracic surgery community as less invasive for the patients and comfortable for the performing surgeon. The aim of this video-article is to show the different steps of this technique and to provide some tips and tricks to improve and facilitate the execution of the uniportal VATS lobectomy.