Thoracoscopic Management of Traumatic Sequelae

Abstract

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be beneficial for patients with penetrating and blunt thoracic trauma. It has utility in the initial assessment as well as the management of sequelae of traumatic injuries, especially retained hemothorax, and should be part of any trauma surgeon’s skill set. This review intends to emphasize the best-supported indications and timing for the use of this surgical approach in the injured patient.