| A left posterolateral thoracotomy was performed in the 5th intercostal space. |
| The patient was subsequently referred to our hospital, where he underwent thoracotomy with left upper lobectomy and partial pericardiectomy. |
| Four of these patients underwent thoracotomy with decortication, but only one substantially improved. |
| After left posterolateral thoracotomy through the fourth intercostal space, a rib retractor was placed to luxate the left lung anteriorly. |
| Immediately after thoracotomy, the pleural cavity was carefully washed with 100 mL of physical saline solution, and the fluid was examined. |
| The ability to perform this procedure without thoracotomy minimized his hospital stay and recovery time while not compromising the integrity of the plication. |
