Thoracoscopy in Europe: views from North America.

A 4-month "minisabbatical" (June through September 1992) provided me with a selected view of the current status of thoracoscopic surgery as it is being performed in Europe. This experience comprised visits to three countries and a total of five clinical units doing endoscopic surgery. Observations are grouped into five categories: (1) the clinical spectrum of thoracoscopic procedures, (2) operating room design, (3) the evolution of instrumentation and imaging, (4) educational programs, and (5) strategies for testing innovative technologies. This short visit convinced me of the need for greater communication with our European colleagues.