Skip to main content

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for Lung Cancer

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a surgery that may be done to remove lung cancer.

VATS is a less invasive procedure than a regular open chest surgery (thoracotomy), where the chest is cut open and the ribs are spread apart to allow access to the lungs. VATS uses several small cuts (incisions) so a tiny camera and special tools can be inserted into the chest and lung to remove cancer.

VATS also allows for a faster recovery than open chest surgery. And there are fewer problems during and after surgery.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.