Axillary thoracotomy.

Between 1978 and 1981, we have used a vertical axillary thoracotomy in 106 patients for 109 operations. The approach provides a fast and easy entrance into the thoracic cavity. Exposure was adequate. The procedure was well tolerated, even by patients with respiratory compromise, and morbidity was minimal. This approach is recommended as an alternative to the formal posterolateral thoracotomy and anterior mediastinotomy in selected patients.