ABSTRACT
Objective: Excision of rib tumors by conventional surgical method often results in poor prognosis due to trauma and heavily bleeding. In the present study, we evaluated the advantages of applying computer navigation-assisted thoracoscope in the resection of rib tumors.
Methods: Prior to surgery, the pathology bearing regions of rib tumors in 4 patients were scanned by computer tomography (CT) and the surgical margin was predetermined. During operation, the fusion image of 3-dimensional navigation scanning and CT clearly provided the guidance for the resection of rib tumor by minimally invasive thoracoscopy techniques.
Results: Postoperative specimens demenstruated that a safe border was observed and the tumor specimen margin was negative based on histological study. Combination of computer navigation technique and thoracoscopy could assist surgeons to more accurately judge the tumor margin, implement minimal invasive resection, and minimize the trauma of patients.
Conclusion: Based on our clinical experiences, the combined surgical method is especially feasible for the tiny tumor or some tumors that are unreachable or resided in scapula and deep face of breast.
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