Traditionally, surgeons had to make large incisions to perform lung surgery, which meant extended recovery periods.
This is one reason why lung surgery, a complex medical procedure, can be both intimidating and frightening to patients. Fortunately, advances in medical technology have led to less invasive surgical techniques, including Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery or VATS lung procedure.
In this blog, we explore what a VATS procedure is and how it’s used to treat medical conditions.
What is a VATS lung surgery?
VATS is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to operate on the lungs with just a few small incisions.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a few small incisions in the side of the chest wall, each about an inch long. Then, a small camera or thoracoscope is inserted into one of the incisions.
The surgeon can then view the inside of the chest cavity on a video monitor and use specialised surgical tools to operate on the lung without ever having to open the chest cavity fully.
What does VATS do?
VATS can be used to biopsy suspicious areas of the lung, remove small tumors and nodules, and as part of a treatment plan for lung cancer and other lung conditions.
VATS lung surgery is less invasive than traditional lung surgery methods, which usually require a long incision to be made through the breastbone. Since VATS only requires small incisions, patients generally have less pain, fewer complications, and a shorter hospital stay.
Moreover, the risk of bleeding, infection, and scarring is also significantly reduced.
The benefits of VATS in lung surgeries
The benefits of VATS come from its minimally invasive nature, where it requires only small incisions and less blood loss.
VATS has proven to be especially useful for those who are elderly or have compromised respiratory systems, which would require more assisted breathing methods after the surgery. In most cases, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia and may require an overnight stay at the hospital, but recovery usually takes only a few weeks.
Patients with certain medical conditions may also be better suited to traditional lung surgery methods. A qualified thoracic surgeon will be able to determine whether VATS is appropriate based on the patient’s specific needs.
When should you consider VATS for your surgery
If you’re considering surgery that involves your chest, you might want to explore the option of VATS.
In a traditional pulmonary wedge resection, the cut has to be wide enough to perform removal of the lung tissue. But in VATS wedge resection, the cuts are a lot less smaller.
With the right surgeon and the right surgical procedure, you can be on your way to a faster recovery and a better quality of life.
Conclusion
VATS lung procedure is an innovative and minimally invasive surgical technique that provides many advantages over traditional lung surgery methods, particularly in terms of reducing pain, scarring, and recovery time.
While it may not be the best approach in every case, it offers a promising alternative for those who cannot undergo conventional surgery.
If you currently deal with lung problems and want to learn more about whether VATS wedge resection or VATS surgeries are an option for you, please consult with your doctor or a qualified thoracic surgeon to discuss your options.
