VATS (video-assisted thoracic surgery) is a type of minimally invasive thoracic surgery of the chest, performed with a thoracoscope (small videoscope) using small incisions and special instruments to minimize trauma.

During thoracoscopic surgery, three small (approximately 1-inch) incisions are used, as compared with one long 6- to 8-inch chest 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
• Reduced risk of infection and less bleeding