ObjectiveTo discuss the advantage and disadvantage of uniport video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) versus single utility port VATS in the surgical treatment of benign thoracic diseases. MethodsFrom January 2012 to December 2014, 125 patients with benign thoracic diseases who underwent VATS by the same performer were divided randomly into two groups including a uniport VATS group or a single utility port VATS group. There were 41 males and 24 females with a mean age of 47.5±16.6 years in the uniport VATS group. There were 39 males and 21 females with a mean age of 45.1±15.7 years in the single utility port VATS group. Then the patients were followed up. The perioperative data and follow-up results were compared between two groups. ResultsThe total 125 patients of operations were performed successfully according the established plan, without increasing incisions or transferring to thoracotomy. There were no statistical differences between two groups in operative time (48.9±11.3 min vs. 47.1±11.0 min), intraoperative bleeding volume (26.9±15.4 ml vs. 23.8±13.2 ml), postoperative 24 h chest tube drainage volume (81.5±36.9 ml vs. 77.3±31.2 ml), postoperative chest tube drainage time (2.8±2.0 d vs. 3.4±2.2 d), the pain score on the 3rd postoperative day (2.6±1.2 points vs. 2.6±1.3 points), average in-hospital stay (4.9±2.1 d vs. 5.1±2.2 d) or postoperative complications (P > 0.05). The patients were followed up for 3-24 months. All patients achieved satisfactory results with no recurrence. ConclusionsCompared with single utility port VATS, uniport VATS does not prolong operation time or consume more materials, and has advantages of minimally invasion and higher acceptance. It is a safe and feasible approach in surgical treatment of benign thoracic diseases and worthy of popularization and application.