VATS:

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Lung Cancer Patient Testimonial - Richard

What is Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

 

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or VATS. VATS is appropriate for patients with Stage I, II or early Stage III NSCLC. In a VATS procedure, the surgeon uses a small video camera to magnify the cancer tissue. Using the video feed for guidance, the surgeon is able to remove the tumor and cancer cells.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) offers several significant benefits compared to traditional open thoracotomy. Here's a breakdown of the key advantages:

Minimally Invasive:

VATS utilizes several small incisions (typically 1-2 cm) instead of a large incision, resulting in significantly less cutting and manipulation of muscles, ribs, and other tissues. This reduced tissue trauma is the foundation for many of the other benefits.

Reduced Pain:

The smaller incisions and decreased tissue trauma associated with VATS lead to significantly less postoperative pain. Patients often require less pain medication, and the pain experienced tends to resolve more quickly compared to open thoracotomy.

Shorter Hospital Stay:

Due to reduced pain and tissue trauma, patients typically experience a faster recovery after VATS. This accelerated recovery often allows for earlier discharge from the hospital, sometimes by several days compared to open surgery.

Improved Cosmesis:

The small incisions used in VATS result in smaller, less noticeable scars, which can be a significant benefit for patients concerned about the appearance of surgical scars.

Faster Return to Normal Activities:

The faster recovery associated with VATS allows patients to get out of bed and start moving around sooner after surgery. This leads to a quicker return to work and other normal activities.

Oncological Outcomes (in some cases):

In some cases, particularly for early-stage lung cancer, VATS can achieve similar or even better oncological outcomes compared to open surgery. This is due to the ability to perform a thorough lymph node dissection.

Could VATS Be a Better Option for Your NSCLC?

For patients with Stage I, II, or early Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), considering VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) as part of their treatment plan is important. This approach offers several potential advantages over traditional open surgery, which could lead to a better overall experience and outcome.

  1. Less Pain and a Faster Recovery
  2. Shorter Hospital Stay
  3. Smaller Scars
  4. Reduced Risk of Complications
  5. Faster Return to Work and Activities
  6. Potentially Better Cancer Outcomes 

Important Considerations:

  • "I need to talk to my surgeon to see if VATS is the right option for me." VATS isn't suitable for everyone, and my surgeon will need to evaluate my specific situation to determine if it's the best approach.
  • "I want to make sure my surgeon is experienced in performing VATS." The success of VATS depends on the surgeon's skill and expertise, so I'll want to choose a surgeon who is well-trained in this technique.
  • "I understand that there's a chance the surgery might need to be converted to open surgery." While it's not ideal, I need to be aware that in some cases, complications may arise that require the surgeon to switch to an open approach.