Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Endoscopic thoracoplasty technique.

STUDY DESIGN: The study of two patients whose rib deformity was treated using a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique is reported.

OBJECTIVES: To report a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique for the treatment of rib deformities associated with idiopathic scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Thoracoplasty has traditionally been performed as an open procedure, often necessitating additional incisions and/or tissue dissection.

METHODS: Two children with significant rib humps associated with idiopathic scoliosis were treated with a new endoscopic thoracoplasty technique.

RESULTS: Both children showed dramatic cosmetic improvement of their rib deformity.

CONCLUSIONS: The indications for the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of pediatric spinal deformity are expanding. We have extended our video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery repertoire to include endoscopic thoracoplasty for treatment of rib deformities associated with idiopathic scoliosis. The technique for endoscopic thoracoplasty is discussed, and illustrative cases are presented.