Muscle-sparing thoracotomy: Anatomy and technique

The thoracotomy incision is essential for many thoracic surgery procedures. A number of different variations exist, and different techniques can be used, depending both on the patient and on the technical factors. The muscle-sparing technique was first described by Noirclerc et al. in 1973. [1] Initially, it was thought that preservation of the muscular structures compared with the results of a traditional posterolateral thoracotomy, in which the latissimus dorsi and sometimes the serratus anterior are often divided, would benefit long-term outcomes. However, subsequent study results have not demonstrated any difference in postoperative outcomes. The unequivocal benefit of a muscle-sparing approach is to preserve the latissimus dorsi for any future intervention, such as a procedure involving the chest wall and the intrathoracic flaps. In this video tutorial, we describe our approach to this commonly used incision, including the anatomy and the technical aspects used to provide optimal operative exposure and minimal postoperative complications while preserving the underlying musculature.