Evaluation of Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery in Thoracic Pathology

The introduction of video-assisted imaging system amplifies the function of thoracoscopy. It cannot only magnify the image with the aid of better instruments, but also share the images with all people performing this procedure. The term video-assisted thoracic surgery is used to describe these minimally invasive surgical techniques that nowadays represent a valid alternative to open procedures for many chest diseases. It should be regarded as a part of the basic armamentarium of the new generations of thoracic surgeons. VATS has multiple advantages over traditional thoracotomy including less postoperative pain, shorter hospital lengths of stay, earlier recovery of respiratory function especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the elderly and overall reduced cost. Video-assisted techniques have proven useful for the performance of a broad spectrum of thoracic surgical procedures.