Lung cancer treatment with video-assisted thoracic surgery

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to access the inside of the chest through small incisions. It removes lung tumors and can be an alternative to traditional open surgery. A general outline of the steps involved in a video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) procedure includes general anesthesia to make the patient sleep and unable to feel pain during the surgery. Next, the thoracic surgeon makes several small incisions in the patient's chest, inserts a camera and specialized instruments through the incisions to access the inside of the chest, and uses the camera and tools to remove the lung tumor close the incisions. Finally, the patient is removed from anesthesia, moved to the recovery room under close watch, and given painkillers if needed. Benefits of VATS include less pain and scarring for the patient compared to open surgery, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, lower risk of infection and complications, better cosmetic results, and reduced trauma to the body. However, it is essential to note that VATS is unsuitable for all lung cancer patients or lung tumors. The surgeon will determine if VATS is a suitable option based on the size, location, type of tumor, and overall health.