Video-assisted thoracoscopy

Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat conditions within the chest, including the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum. During a VATS procedure, surgeons make small incisions and use a thoracoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end—to view the chest cavity on a video monitor. This approach allows for precise surgical interventions with less trauma compared to traditional open surgery. VATS is commonly used for lung biopsies, removing tumours, treating pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and managing infections or fluid buildup. The benefits of VATS include reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery times, and smaller scars. Advances in this technique continue to improve patient outcomes, making it a preferred option for many thoracic surgeries.