Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery
If you have early stage lung cancer, surgery to remove the lobe where the tumor is located offers the best chance for a cure. If you qualify for a minimally invasive video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) at VHC Health, you may also benefit from less pain and a quicker recovery.
Skilled Surgeons
Trust experienced thoracic surgeons at VHC Health who are highly skilled in Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS). Our doctors have had great success in offering this approach to their patients.
Less-Invasive Lung Cancer Surgery
With video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), your surgeon uses surgical instruments and a tube with a tiny camera on the end to perform your procedure through very small incisions. With this technique, your doctor can see and operate on your chest cavity without spreading your ribs apart.
Your doctor may use robotic arms to perform the surgery.
Procedures Using VATS
Your doctor may recommend VATS to perform a:
- Lung or pleural biopsy – Removes a small piece of tissue to examine for signs of cancer
- Lobectomy – Removes a lobe of your lung
Advantages of VATS
Compared to the traditional open-chest approach (thoracotomy), the benefits of minimally invasive VATS for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment include:
- Faster recovery
- Less chest pain
- Lower risk of infection
- Lower risk of blood transfusion
- Shorter hospital stay
Lung cancer survival rates following VATS lobectomy are comparable to those for individuals who have undergone traditional lobectomy.
Am I a Candidate for VATS?
Talk to your doctor about whether VATS is right for your condition and medical history. The procedure may not be appropriate if you have large tumors or tumors that are attached to the chest wall.
