What is minimally invasive thoracic surgery?
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, also called thoracoscopy or thoracoscopic surgery, is surgery of the chest that is performed with a thoracoscope (small video-scope) using small incisions and special instruments to minimize trauma. Other names for this procedure include pleuroscopy or VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery). The thoracoscope transmits images of the operative area onto a computer monitor that is positioned next to the patient. During thoracoscopic surgery and video assisted thoracic surgery, three small (approximately 1-inch) incisions are used, as compared with one long 6- to 8-inch incision that is used during traditional, “open” thoracic surgery. Surgical instruments and the thoracoscope are inserted through these small incisions. As compared with traditional surgery, patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery experience: Decreased postoperative pain Shorter hospital stay More rapid recovery and return to work Other possible benefits of minimally invasive vid
