An Alternative Use of Wound Retractor as Camera Trocar in Thoracoscopic Surgery.

Trocars used during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) present some technical disadvantages due to their rigid structure. We propose the use of an extra-small wound retractor system, designed for general surgery, as alternative to rigid trocar for camera port during VATS. In our experience the wound retractor presents 5 objective advantages: reduces intercostal nerve compression and skin injuries, improves the camera maneuverability, does not displace during operation, and protects the camera by any small parietal bleeding.