Results in video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomies minimize complications, provide less pain and better quality of life, and offer faster recovery, better cosmetic results and better cost-effectiveness. Also, VATS lobectomies deliver long-term results at least equivalent to those observed on thoracotomy and become an exciting alternative to treat high-risk patients with a better risk-benefit ratio. The number of VATS lobectomy cases performed per year is increasing thanks to the growing experience with the technique and the development of dedicated surgical instruments and stapling devices. Development and further refinement of technique have allowed thoracic surgeons to perform a wide variety of complex procedures in a minimally invasive fashion.