Thoracoscopic rib resection using a Gigli saw

Ann Thorac Surg. 2005 Aug;80(2):755-6. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2004.02.116.

Abstract

When a conventional approach is used to perform a rib resection, a skin incision longer than the rib to be resected must be made. As a result, a conventional rib resection leaves a rather large and esthetically unfavorable scar. After considering pain management, esthetics, and quality of life, we devised a new technique for thoracoscopic rib resection that uses a Gigli saw. This new technique was performed on an overweight woman with a solitary metastatic bone tumor of the right eighth rib, whose case is described herein. The patient's postoperative course was satisfactory. Since this technique does not require a long skin incision, pain management and aesthetic results are improved compared with conventional techniques.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Ribs / surgery*
  • Thoracoscopy*