What Is a Vats Procedure?

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a procedure in which a small tube called a thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision between the ribs. At the end of the tube is a small camera. This lets the surgeon see the entire chest cavity without having to open up the chest or spread the ribs.

Why is a VATS procedure done?

One common reason to do VATS is to remove part of a lung because of cancer. You have 2 lungs: a right lung and a left lung. These lungs connect to your mouth through a series of tubes. Through these tubes, the lungs bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide from the body.

Is VATS considered major surgery?

VATS lung surgery has revolutionized the treatment of many different lung diseases. VATS is major surgery that has risks and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options.