Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)

VATS is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a high-definition thoracoscope and specialised instruments introduced through small incisions in the chest. It enables surgeons to perform procedures including lung biopsy, anatomical lung resection, surgery for pneumothorax, pleural operations, empyema decortication and selected mediastinal procedures. For suitable patients, VATS may reduce surgical trauma and support earlier postoperative recovery compared with conventional thoracotomy.