Thoracic Surgery

Abstract

The thoracoabdominal surgical approach means the exploration of the thorax and abdominal cavities simultaneously via a single or staged incision. This technique has been used for various indications since the end of the 19th century. Nowadays, although minimal invasive techniques are popular, it is still a valid approach in certain operations. Not only it is a current approach in thoracic surgical procedures but it also is a technique that should be noted it is used in pathologies requiring a multidisciplinary approach. This chapter focuses on the indications, technique details and also pitfalls of the thoracoabdominal incision.