Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique doctors use to diagnose and treat various chest conditions. It involves inserting a camera and instruments through tiny incisions in the chest wall.
VATS techniques have
Surgeons use VATS to treat many conditions involving the chest (thoracic) conditions.
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Surgeons can use VATS to remove lung tissue, such as lymph nodes, tumors, and tissue they suspect may contain cancerous cells. These procedures include:
- lobectomy — removal of one of the lung’s lobes
- segmentectomy — removal of a segment of a lobe
- wedge resection — removal of part of a segment
Other lung conditions that may be treatable with VATS include:
- pneumothorax, or collapsed lung
- pleural effusion, or fluid around the lungs
- pulmonary blebs or bullae, which are air-filled pockets in the lungs that can cause a collapsed lung
Open lung surgery involves making a larger incision between the ribs. The surgeon may need to separate the ribs or cut a rib to gain access to the lung.
A small 2023 study compared the outcomes of people with lung cancer who had either VATS or open surgery. The researchers found that VATS leads to:
- a shorter duration of surgery
- reduced postoperative pain
- shorter hospital stays
- faster recovery times
- a lower risk of complications
A 2021 analysis of 7,726 open lobectomies and VATS lobectomies reported that the latter led to better outcomes around the time of surgery, such as:
- less blood loss
- lower blood transfusion rate
- shorter hospital stays
- less chest drainage volume
- fewer postoperative complications
However, open lobectomy allowed surgeons to better identify lymph nodes containing cancer so they could remove them.
Read more about lung cancer surgery.
VATS can treat early stage NSCLC effectively, but it is unsuitable for faster growing cancers or later stage tumors.
VATS may lead to similar or slightly better outcomes than open surgery for lung cancer. One 2020 study found the following disease-free survival rates for people who received either VATS or open surgery to treat lung cancer:
| Method of lung cancer surgery | 5-year survival rate | 10-year survival rate |
|---|---|---|
| VATS | 91.4% | 79% |
| open surgery | 85.1% | 73.6% |
VATS carries the usual risks of surgery, such as:
- infection
- blood clots
- excessive bleeding
- pain
- an irregular heartbeat
Additionally, VATS may lead to:
- air leaking from a lung into the chest drain, which usually lasts a few days but could last longer
- reduced kidney function, which usually improves with adequate hydration
A surgeon will discuss the possible risks with a person before surgery.
Lung cancer resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on lung cancer.
Before any surgery, it is a good idea to prepare practically, physically, and mentally for the procedure. In the weeks or months before surgery, people need to quit or avoid smoking, eat a nutritious diet, get plenty of sleep, and stay hydrated.
It is important to determine which aspects of the surgery an insurance provider will cover and how much a person will need to pay out-of-pocket.
Individuals can make arrangements at home for their recovery, such as preparing a recovery space at home and arranging help with daily tasks. Organizing transportation to and from the hospital is also essential.
A doctor will provide instructions for what to eat and drink 24 hours before surgery. They will also advise about medications to take or stop taking.
After the operation, the healthcare team will move the person to a recovery room and then into their hospital room. It is natural to feel groggy after waking up. The care team will provide a combination of medications to help manage pain.
The chest drain usually remains in place for a few days, but some people may have to go home with it still in place. The healthcare team will give instructions on how to care for it at home.
A respiratory therapist will visit a person in the hospital and show them ways to improve their lung function. This may include using medications and a spirometer.
Most people can go home 1 to 4 days after surgery.
The hospital will arrange follow-up appointments, which may include physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. The surgeon will also want to check the incisions are healing well.
Once home, people need to focus on recovery and follow their doctor’s instructions. It is natural to experience shortness of breath with physical activity after surgery. However, if the person is unable to take a deep breath or it hurts to move or cough, they need to contact their surgeon.
People recover at different rates depending on the procedure they have and their general health.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive technique for performing operations in the chest. Doctors often use it to diagnose and treat early stage lung cancer.
The benefits of VATS include shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, and quicker recovery times.
Most people can go home 1 to 4 days after surgery and may need pulmonary rehabilitation and physical therapy during their recovery.