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Correspondence to Author: Iuorio A ¹ ., Torretta G¹ ., Limone M ¹ ., Fusco P ¹ ., Storti A ¹ ., Merciai F ² ., Carelli E ³ ., De Ruberto E ³ ., Mottola E ³ ., Martone M ³ ., Salvi R ³ .. 

1.Department of Intensive Care, AORN Moscati Hospital, Avellino, Italy.
2.Department of Intensive Care, Umberto I Hospital, Nocera Inferiore, Italy.
3.Department of Thoracic Surgery, AORN Moscati Hospital, Avellino, Italy

DOI: 10.52338/aots.2026.5299

Abstract:

Background: Thoracic trauma is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among trauma patients worldwide [1,2]. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has evolved as a diagnostic and therapeutic approach for hemodynamically stable thoracic trauma patients [3–5]. This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes and feasibility of early VATS as a first-line surgical option for thoracic trauma in selected cases
Methods: We present a case series of seven patients with thoracic trauma undergoing VATS between 2023 and 2025. Collected variables included demographics, injury mechanisms, intraoperative findings, need for conversion, complications, and hospital stay. Primary outcomes were technical success and safety; secondary outcomes included duration of hospital stay and postoperative complications.
Results:In all cases, undetected pulmonary parenchymal injuries were identified and repaired thoracoscopically. No conversions to thoracotomy were required. Patients demonstrated shorter hospital stays (8.7± 3.4 days) and no postoperative infections or major complications.
Conclusion: Early VATS appears to be a safe, minimally invasive, and effective first-line option for selected stable thoracic trauma, allowing accurate diagnosis, targeted intervention, and rapid recovery with minimal morbidity. Major multicenter studies are required to validate these preliminary results.

Citation:

Dr. Iuorio A, Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) as FirstLine Approach in Thoracic Trauma: A SingleCenter Case Series. Annals of Thoracic Surgery 2026