Stepwise approaches to optimize strategy for holding thoracoscope during single port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Coordination between the thoracoscope assistant and the surgeon was difficult during single port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (SP-VATS). What’s more, holding the thoracoscope was an exhausting work for the assistant and optimized strategies were intensely needed. This paper aims to share our experience in making the thoracoscope assistant feel comfortable by illustrating the stepwise approaches in optimizing the strategies for holding the thoracoscope during our practice of SP-VATS. The evolution of techniques were divided into four stages: Stage I, traditional 10-mm 30° thoracoscope placed at the posterior part of the incision; Stage II, 5-mm thoracoscope towed and fixed via a silk suture; Stage III, 5-mm thoracoscope placed outside of a plastic wound protector; Stage IV, 5-mm thoracoscope introduced into the thoracic cavity through a 5-mm laparoscopic trocar outside of a plastic wound protector and the assistant stood at a foot-stool. After stepwise improvement, the thoracosocpe assistant felt more labor saving and comfortable, and coordination with the surgeon has become smoother.