Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgical procedure performed by the surgeon to diagnose as well as treat several conditions of the chest. This procedure is performed with the help of an instrument called a thoracoscope, a thin and narrow tube with a camera placed at the end. It is usually performed in patients to manage lung, mediastinal, diaphragmatic and pleural pathology. Since this is a minimally invasive surgery, it involves very tiny incisions, no rib spreading, and no cutting of muscles compared to the traditional open surgical approach. This surgery has led to a revolution in the treatment and management of various chest diseases. This form of surgery is very safe for the elderly and frail patients.