Authors (including presenting author) :
Lai KM (1), Wong KF (1), Leung SK (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Surgery, Tuen Mun Hospital
Introduction :
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is one of the most common minimal invasive surgery for intra-thoracic surgery. It requires the use of port sites for placement of intra-thoracic equipment. Traditionally, metal ports were used for insertion of equipment. However, the rigidity nature of the metal ports may limit the flexibility of the equipment.
Objectives :
We herein report our new technique in tailor-making port site in VATS.
Methodology :
During esophagectomy for patients with esophageal cancer, a tailor-made port site – Tako’s tube was made. A 36 French chest tube was used to create a Tako’s tube to replace the traditional metal port site at the cross-section between anterior axillary line and 5th intercostal space. The chest drain was cut into optimal length. Several cut ends were created above the skin portion, making an “octopus sausage” appearance. Through the Tako’s tube, usual equipment of VATS can then be inserted into intra-thoracic cavity with a larger flexibility due to its “softer” outer portion. An animal model was made using pork rib cage. Flexibility of intra-thoracic equipment was measured using this animal model. The flexibility allowed by Tako’s tube and traditional metal port were compared.
Result & Outcome :
Using the animal model, the flexibility allowed by Tako’s tube in the intra-thoracic cavity was 97 degrees, while the flexibility allowed by traditional metal port was 71 degrees. Therefore, the flexibility allowed by Tako’s tube was higher.
