Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for Lung Cancer
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a surgery that may be done to remove lung cancer.
VATS is a less invasive procedure than a regular open chest surgery (thoracotomy), where the chest is cut open and the ribs are spread apart to allow access to the lungs. VATS uses several small cuts (incisions) so a tiny camera and special tools can be inserted into the chest and lung to remove cancer.
VATS also allows for a faster recovery than open chest surgery. And there are fewer problems during and after surgery.
Current as of: March 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Michael Seth Rabin MD - Medical Oncology