Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, or VATS, is a surgical technique very similar to laparoscopic surgery. This technique is used in chest surgery, and reduces invasiveness of the surgery. This surgery involves a small incision, generally only 1-3 inches, on the chest. Here, a thoracoscope, and instrument with a micro camera, is inserted into the chest. This allows surgeons to see and locate possible problems. This technique involves no spreading of the ribs, unlike procedures in the past. VATS is commonly used to treat cancers, such as lung cancer. It is also used to treat other diseases in the thoracic region.
What does this all mean??? VATS, like other minimally invasive techniques, has replaced a oncer dangerous procedure with a safe, simple procedure. What once involved spreading of ribs to access organs, now can be done with a small incision. In fact, in previous surgeries, incisions were as long as 10 inches long. Now, for that same surgery the incision is only 1-3 inches. VATS helps treat patients effectively and efficiently, and is much safer than thoracic surgery in the past.
This video is an interview with a surgeon who specializes in VATS.
What does this all mean???
VATS, like other minimally invasive techniques, has replaced a oncer dangerous procedure with a safe, simple procedure. What once involved spreading of ribs to access organs, now can be done with a small incision. In fact, in previous surgeries, incisions were as long as 10 inches long. Now, for that same surgery the incision is only 1-3 inches. VATS helps treat patients effectively and efficiently, and is much safer than thoracic surgery in the past.
This video is an interview with a surgeon who specializes in VATS.