CTSNet Step-by-Step Series: Posterolateral Thoracotomy

This video demonstrates a posterolateral thoracotomy. The authors detail the procedure in a step-by-step fashion, using diagrams and surgical video to illustrate key technical elements. This video also shows a muscle-sparing approach to the posterolateral thoracotomy, preserving the serratus anterior. If a muscle-sparing approach is not desired, then the serratus muscle may simply be divided entirely during the muscular division step.