Postoperative pain outcomes following uniportal vs. multiportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has evolved from multiportal to uniportal approaches, theoretically offering reduced postoperative pain through single intercostal space access. However, inconsistent surgical definitions and mixed evidence have limited clinical guidance.

Objectives

To systematically evaluate postoperative pain outcomes between true uniportal VATS (strictly defined by the 2019 European Society of Thoracic Surgeons criteria) and multiportal VATS for lung resections.

Methods

We searched five databases during the period between January 2000 and January 2025 for comparative studies of uniportal vs. multiportal VATS reporting pain outcomes. True uniportal VATS requires a single intercostal incision (2.5-5 cm) with all instruments throu

SUBMITTER: Kanani F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12641003 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature