Muscle-sparing posterolateral thoracotomy.

We have developed a technique for posterolateral thoracotomy that allows adequate exposure for most thoracic operations, yet spares both the latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior muscles. Postoperative pain is decreased, functional recovery is improved, and patients can frequently be discharged earlier from the hospital. Although the time for opening is slightly prolonged, closing time is less and the incision can easily be converted to the standard muscle-splitting approach if more room is required.