The special issue, guest edited by Dr. Ricardo Navarro, refers to the fact that after more than two decades of experience in thoracic video-assisted techniques, several situations remain where procedures need to be performed by opening the chest.

The issue basically aims to provide to the thoracic surgery community with evidence-based data and recommendations from experience, to be considered in the decision of choosing the best surgical approach for a given case.

Two important aspects will also be included. First, how young surgeons should acquire a really complete training in thoracic surgery. Second, what should be understood nowadays as an open thoracic surgery procedure. We hope the whole content will also be instructive to patients andcontribute to the growth of young surgeons.