Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
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What is VATS?
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical method used to access the lungs or other thoracic organs. Whether performed as traditional VATS, involving multiple small incisions, or as Single-Port VATS, which utilises a single small incision, the procedure involves inserting a tiny camera called a thoracoscope.
This camera provides the surgeon with a clear view of the internal organs while the surgical instruments are inserted through the incision(s) to perform the necessary procedure without the need for a large open incision.
Benefits of Traditional VATS
VATS offers several advantages over traditional open surgery:
- Minimally Invasive: VATS requires small incisions, leading to less tissue damage compared to traditional open surgery.
- Reduced Pain: Patients typically experience much less postoperative pain due to the smaller incisions.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients can expect a quicker discharge from the hospital, often within a few days.
- Lower Risk of Complications: The smaller incisions reduce the risk of complications such as infections or significant bleeding.
- Improved Outcomes: VATS has been associated with better overall outcomes, including faster recovery times.
- Better Aesthetic Results: Smaller scars mean better cosmetic outcomes, which is an added benefit for many patients.
- Faster Start to Chemotherapy: For patients who require chemotherapy after surgery, the quicker recovery from VATS allows them to start chemotherapy sooner, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Traditional VATS?
VATS is a versatile surgical technique that can be used to treat almost all thoracic conditions. Some of these include:
- Lung Cancer
- Pleural Diseases (such as pleural effusion or pleuritis)
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
- Mediastinal Tumours
- Lung Biopsy
- Empyema (collection of pus in the pleural cavity)
How is Traditional VATS Performed?
In traditional VATS, the surgeon makes two or three small incisions in the chest:
The thoracoscope is inserted through one incision, allowing the surgeon to view the chest cavity on a video monitor.
The necessary instruments are inserted through the other incisions to perform the surgery.
What is Single Port-VATS?
Single Port-VATS is an advanced version of traditional VATS, where the entire procedure is performed through a single small incision. This approach further enhances the benefits of traditional VATS by being even less invasive.
Benefits of Single Port-VATS
Single Port-VATS further enhances the advantages of traditional VATS with no increased risk, offering several key benefits for patients undergoing thoracic surgery:
- Less Invasive: Compared to traditional VATS, Single Port-VATS requires only one incision as small as 1 – 3 cm (depending on individual’s patient’s condition), reducing tissue damage and leading to quicker recovery.
- Quicker Recovery: Patients often experience a faster recovery compared to traditional VATS.
- Reduced Postoperative Pain: With only one incision, there is typically less pain after surgery.
- Better Cosmetic Outcomes: The single incision leaves a smaller scar, offering better aesthetic results.
How is Single Port-VATS Performed?
In Single Port-VATS, the entire surgery is carried out through a single small incision, further enhancing the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.
A small incision, usually around 1.5-3 cm, is made in the chest.
Both the thoracoscope and the surgical instruments are inserted through this single incision, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues.
Who is a Candidate for VATS?
VATS is suitable for almost all patients requiring thoracic surgery, including those with lung cancer, pleural disease, or mediastinal tumours. At O2 Lung Centre, 95% of thoracic surgeries are performed using Single Port-VATS, which is often considered the standard of care for these conditions. This technique offers an effective and less invasive option for many patients.
Risks and Complications of VATS
While VATS is generally safe, as with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications, including:
These include the risk of infection, bleeding, and reactions to anaesthesia.
Possible complications include air leaks, prolonged chest wall numbness, and postoperative pain.
Recovery After VATS
Recovery after VATS is typically quicker than after traditional open surgery. Here’s what patients can expect:
Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-5 days after the procedure.
Many patients can resume most normal activities within 2 weeks.
Full recovery can take as short as 4 weeks, depending on the patient’s overall health and the complexity of the surgery.
VATS Consultation at O2 Lung Centre
At O2 Lung Centre, our team of thoracic surgeons is highly skilled and experienced in both traditional and Single Port-VATS. We offer personalised consultations to help determine if VATS is the right option for your specific condition.
Book a consultation with Dr. Su Jang Wen at Gleneagles or Dr. Kang Ning at Mount Elizabeth Orchard Hospital to discuss your condition and explore the benefits of VATS. Let us help you make an informed decision about your health and surgical options.