The Surgical clinics of North America
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VATS has a diagnostic and therapeutic role in the treatment of patients with chest trauma, but the basic rule of safety over technology must be applied. It is an effective means for managing diaphragmatic injuries, hemothorax, empyemas, and persistent air leaks in selected hemodynamically stable patients. ⋯ In appropriately selected cases, thoracoscopy can prove to be useful, with conversion to thoracotomy in only 10% of patients. Additional studies must be performed to determine any cost benefit compared with conventional therapy.