We describe a practical video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) technique for the en bloc resection of the thymoma, thymus, and bilateral mediastinum lipid based on mediastinal pleura guidance. By taking advantage of single-lumen endotracheal tube (SLET) anesthesia and artificial pneumothorax, we acquired excellent exposure of the anterior mediastinum operative field. In addition, our limited data showed that this surgical approach might have a potential tendency on reducing the blood loss and the operative times. Moreover, no complication of phrenic nerve paralysis or signs of myasthenia gravis were observed at the 6-month follow-up.
Keywords: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS); mediastinal pleura guidance; thymectomy.