Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) or thoracoscopic surgery surgically corrects certain types of physical diseases within the chest and upper abdomen, while minimizing any disturbance of surrounding tissues. For example, thoracoscopic operations requires smaller incisions in the patient than those used for an open procedure. The typical result for our patients is less discomfort and less time in the hospital. The techniques of minimally invasive surgery may be used in operations performed by various surgical specialty departments and divisions within Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
At Vanderbilt we have pioneered the use of minimally invasive thoracic surgery for such diseases as pulmonary neoplasms, selected patients with isolated solitary non-sarcomatous pulmonary metastasis, and hyperhidrosis. The procedures minimize discomfort and facilitates rapid recovery and return to work or other activities. We use video-assisted thoracoscopy or laparoscopy for diagnostic procedures for lung tumors, pleural cancers (such as mesothelioma), or mediastinal tumors.