What Is Thoracoscopic Surgery?

Thoracoscopic Surgery—also called Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)—is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat diseases inside the chest cavity, including the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum. It replaces large open incisions with small keyhole cuts and a high-definition camera for precision and safety.

Conditions Treated with VATS

• Lung nodules or lung cancer (lobectomy, wedge resection)
• Pleural effusion and empyema (fluid or infection in chest cavity)
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Mediastinal tumors and cysts
• Diaphragmatic hernia repair
• Biopsy of pleura or lung tissue

Benefits of Thoracoscopic Surgery

• Smaller incisions, minimal scarring
• Less pain and faster recovery
• Shorter hospital stay
• Lower risk of infection
• Better cosmetic outcome and early return to routine

Procedure Overview

During VATS, small incisions (5–10 mm) are made between the ribs. A thoracoscope (tiny camera) transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to operate precisely using specialized instruments. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and avoids spreading the ribs as in open thoracotomy.

Postoperative Care & Recovery

• Patients typically recover within a few days
• Pain is mild and well-controlled with oral medications
• Encouraged to walk and breathe deeply soon after surgery
• Follow-up visits scheduled for chest X-rays and wound care