What is Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)?

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose, treat and alleviate symptoms of lung cancer. Since your surgeon will make very small incisions, healing is fast with minimal pain and complications.

VATS is one surgical treatment option we offer for lung cancer. Our lung cancer team will discuss which surgery is the best for you.

What happens during a VATS procedure?

During a VATS procedure, MedStar Franklin Square doctors insert a small video device into the chest through a tiny incision, allowing them to view the inside of the chest in greater detail than ever before. Your surgeon will remove thoracic tumor samples, which doctors can then test for cancer.

Benefits of VATS

VATS allows doctors to test masses found in the lungs without the risks associated with major surgery. The small incisions made during a VATS procedure mean faster healing for patients. Added benefits include the both decreased pain and decreased complications.

The following are among the procedures where VATS may offer a significant advantage:

• Removal of possible lung cancer tumors for biopsy
• Diagnosis and treatment of pleural effusions, the buildup of fluid around the lungs
• Determination of the type and growth rate of the cancer from lymph nodes in the chest

To make an appointment with one of our experienced lung cancer specialists, please call 443-777-5864 (LUNG).