ObjectiveTo introduce an innovative technique, the "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" and its application in the subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for anterior mediastinal masses resection. MethodsPatients who underwent single-port thoracoscopic assisted anterior mediastinal tumor resection through the xiphoid process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from May to June 2024 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. ResultsA total of 7 patients were included, with 3 males and 4 females, aged 28-72 years. The diameter of the tumor was 1.9-17.0 cm. The operation time was 62-308 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-100 mL, postoperative chest drainage tube retention time was 0-9 days, pain score on the 7th day after surgery was 0-2 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 3-12 days. All patients underwent successful and complete resection of the masses and thymus, with favorable postoperative recovery. ConclusionThe "balance-shaped sternal elevation device" effectively expands the retrosternal space, providing surgeons with satisfactory surgical views and operating space. This technique significantly enhances the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgery for anterior mediastinal masses, reduces trauma and postoperative pain, and accelerates patient recovery, demonstrating important clinical significance and application value.
With the adoption of the surgical principles emphasizing minimally invasive, precise, and individualized procedures, the sternum elevation via the subxiphoid approach for thoracoscopic surgery has become an important technique for the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. This method offers significant advantages in terms of increasing surgical field exposure, reducing surgical trauma, alleviating postoperative pain, and improving cosmetic outcomes. To establish a standardized surgical system and promote the consistent implementation of this technique, this consensus integrates the practical experiences of multiple thoracic surgery centers in China and relevant literature reports. It addresses core clinical issues such as surgical indications, preoperative assessment, anesthesia and intraoperative cooperation, key surgical techniques, postoperative management, prevention and treatment of complications, as well as training and quality control systems. The aim is to provide a safer and more effective minimally invasive solution for patients with anterior mediastinal masses and to facilitate the innovation of minimally invasive surgical modalities for the anterior mediastinum.