What is a VATS procedure lung?
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a procedure in which a small tube called a thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision between the ribs. At the end of the tube is a small camera. This lets the surgeon see the entire chest cavity without having to open up the chest or spread the ribs.
How long does it take to recover from VATS lung surgery?
The amount of time you will need to recover depends on the surgery you had. But you probably will need to take it easy at home for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
What is the difference between VATS and thoracotomy?
Background: The optimal surgical technique for lobectomy in lung cancer is not well defined. Proponents of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) hypothesize that less trauma leads to quicker recovery, whereas those who advocate thoracotomy claim it as an oncologically superior procedure.
Is VATS lung surgery safe?
Complications of VATS procedures are rare and the frequency is estimated as 3–4% of treated patients. The most frequent complication is prolonged postoperative air leak. The other significant complications are bleeding, infections, postoperative pain and recurrence at the port site.
Is VATS high risk surgery?
Conclusions: VATS lobectomy offers patients who are considered to be at increased risk for open lobectomy a feasible procedure, with no difference in overall survival compared with SR patients, and decreased morbidity compared with open lobectomy.
Why is a VATS procedure done?
One common reason to do VATS is to remove part of a lung because of cancer. You have 2 lungs: a right lung and a left lung. These lungs connect to your mouth through a series of tubes. Through these tubes, the lungs bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide from the body.
What happens after VATS lung surgery?
In general, you may be able to return to work (if you have a sedentary job), resume driving and participate in most non-strenuous activities within 4 to 6 weeks after minimally invasive thoracic surgery. You can resume heavy lifting and other more strenuous activities within 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.
Is VATS an outpatient procedure?
Results: In the study period, 66 VATS patients (44.3%) of al VATS procedures were eligible for the outpatient procedure. Fifty-five of them (83.3%) were discharged on the same day, while 11 were admitted due to patients preference, presence of an air leak or for other medical reasons.
How is the thoracoscope used in vats surgery?
During a VATS procedure, a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted into your chest through one or more small incisions in your chest wall. The thoracoscope transmits images of the inside of your chest onto a video monitor, guiding the surgeon in performing the procedure.
Why do you have to have vats for lung surgery?
It is a type of minimally invasive surgery. That means it uses smaller cuts (incisions) than traditional open surgery. One common reason to do VATS is to remove part of a lung because of cancer. You have 2 lungs: a right lung and a left lung. These lungs connect to your mouth through a series of tubes.
What kind of surgery is video assisted thoracoscopic?
Surgeons use the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery technique to perform a variety of operations, such as: Biopsy to diagnose lung cancer, mesothelioma and other chest cancers.
What kind of surgery can be done with vats?
VATS operations can be used for all structures in the chest, and are not limited to the lungs, pleura and mediastinum. The heart and great vessels, the esopha- gus and diaphragm, the spinal column and nerves can all be operated on using VATS [5–13]. Each year has seen new, innovative applications of the technique.