Video-assisted thoracic surgery in a Nigerian teaching hospital: Experience and challenges

Abstract

VATS is being performed in our institution with successful outcomes. The use of VATS in Nigeria is encouraged. The relatively high cost of VATS is, however, a major limitation to more widespread use.

The challenges of cardiothoracic surgery practice in Nigeria: a 12 years institutional experience

“…Some procedures practiced in our institution are relatively novel among Nigerian institutions. We have developed a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) practice (10) and mediastinoscopy practice (11). Unfortunately, further development of these practices revolves around appropriate referrals and limited affordability by patients.…”

“…Endoscopy for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes is available (17). VATS is being practiced (10). However, the Achilles' heel of our practice, which is a common denominator to varying extents in different Nigerian cardiothoracic centers, is the low surgical volumes.…”

Cardiothoracic surgery training in Africa: History and developments

“… 17 , 18 Additionally, innovative techniques in surgery have begun to appear in a few countries, such as a robot-assisted surgery programs at Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital and video-assisted thoracic surgery and mediastinoscopy in Nigeria. 19 , 20 , 21 …”

The expected indications for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa

“…There are many thoracic surgical practices in SSA that may require the use of VATS, but due to the mitigating problems of cost and unavailability of human and material resources, it is not being used for them. As a matter of fact, the use of VATS was first reported in Nigeria just about 3 years ago [4] but was first introduced for the management of chest trauma in South Africa 6 years ago. [5] This is sadly so as the region population has over 1 billion persons and with a great disease burden [6] that will be ameliorated by the use of VATS.…”