VATS

Diseases | Diagnostic Services | Treatment Options | Specialists | Clinical Trials | Contact Us | Thoracic Oncology Center Home

Thoracoscopy (also called VATS: Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) is a minimally invasive surgery used for a small tumor that is located on the outer edges of the lungs. Three small incisions of approximately one inch each are made in the patient’s side. A videoscope, through which the surgeon can view the lungs, is inserted through one incision. The surgeon operates using tools called a grasper and a stapler inserted through the two other incisions. The tumor is removed through a plastic bag, to prevent any spread of cancer. Once surgery is done, the incisions are closed with sutures, which eventually dissolve.