Devising the guidelines: the concept of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery-instrumentation and operatory room staff

In the last years, uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has been gaining more and more popularity, becoming a common procedure in several thoracic centers all over the world not only for minor procedures but also for major and complex cases. This technique combines the advantages of the less invasiveness with the ontological principles of open surgery. A standardization of the different peri- and intraoperative steps can help in the establishment and development of this technique. The aim of this paper is to set the basic steps for operating room set-up and instrumentation for starting or improving a uniportal VATS program in thoracic surgery centers.