Maximizing the Benefit of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimal invasive surgery is an excellent approach for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of thoracic disorders that previously required sternotomy or open thoracotomy. The notable benefits of minimal invasive surgery to patients include less postoperative pain, fewer operative and post-operative major complications, shortened hospital stay, faster recovery times, less scarring, less stress on the immune system, smaller incision, and for some procedures reduced operating time and reduced costs. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:315-319. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.