Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with Subxyphoid approach in treatment of anterior mediastinal tumor

Objective To discuss the security, effectiveness and risk factors of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with subxyphoid approach in treatment of anterior mediastinal tumor. Methods The clinical data of 87 patients with anterior mediastinal cancer who were hospitalized in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Union Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University from June 2014 to June 2016 were collected and divided into I-VATS group (n = 40) and S-VATS (n= 47). The differences of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative catheterization time, drainage volume, analgesic use time, hospitalization cost and postoperative hospital stay were compared. Results The two groups’ surgeries were successful, no transfer of thoracotomy cases, no deaths during follow-up. The time of catheterization, drainage of thoracic cavity and the time of using analgesic drugs in S-VATS group were significantly less than those in I-VATS group [(2.4 ± 0.1) d vs (2.9 ± 0.2) d, P 0.05). All cases were followed up for 10-24 months. There was no local recurrence in S-VATS group. Conclusions The video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with subxyphoid approach for the treatment of anterior mediastinal tumor is safe and feasible.It is reliable minimally invasive, light pain and safety.It is an important and advanced treatment. Key words: Subxyphoid approach; Intercostal approach; Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery; Anterior mediastinal tumor