Thoracic & VATS Surgery in Delhi

Thoracic surgery : Vedio assisted thoracic surgery (VATS): lobectomy, pneumonectomy, LVRS

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in the chest (thorax). Instead of making one large incision, the surgeon uses small cuts and a camera (thoracoscope) to guide the surgery.

VATS is commonly used for:

Lobectomy – removal of one lobe of the lung
Pneumonectomy – removal of the entire lung
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) – removal of damaged lung tissue to improve breathing

Why is it Done?

Lobectomy (removal of one lobe)

Early-stage lung cancer
Severe lung infections (e.g., abscess, bronchiectasis confined to one lobe)
Benign tumors or cysts
Tuberculosis-related lung damage

Pneumonectomy (removal of entire lung)

Advanced lung cancer involving an entire lung
Severe trauma or injury to the lung
Extensive lung damage from infection or TB not manageable with lobectomy

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS)

Severe emphysema (a type of COPD) where some lung areas are overinflated and not functioning
To improve breathing by allowing healthier lung tissue to work better

Symptoms

Persistent cough or blood in sputum due to tumors or damaged lung.
Difficulty breathing from severely damaged or diseased lung areas.
Pain or recurrent infections in a specific lung segment or lobe.
Shortness of breath due to overinflated, non-functioning lung tissue.

How to Prepare for the test?

Pre-surgery tests – Chest CT scan, lung function tests, ECG, blood tests.
You should stop smoking at least 2–4 weeks before surgery.
Inform your doctor about all medicines (especially blood thinners).
Fasting for 6–8 hours before surgery.
May need pre-surgery pulmonary rehab to strengthen lungs.

How is it Done?

Anesthesia – Patient is under general anesthesia (completely asleep)
Small incisions – Usually 2–4 cuts between ribs
Thoracoscope inserted – A thin tube with a camera shows inside the chest on a screen
Surgical instruments inserted – Special tools are used to cut, remove lung tissue, and seal blood vessels
Lobectomy / Pneumonectomy / LVRS performed depending on the patient’s condition
Chest tube inserted – To remove air and fluid from the chest after surgery
Incisions closed – Patient shifted to recovery room or ICU for monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is VATS better than open thoracotomy?

Yes, it’s less invasive, causes less pain, and has a faster recovery, but not all patients are eligible.

2. Will I be able to breathe normally with one lung?

Many people can live well with one lung, but it depends on your overall lung health. Pulmonary rehab helps recovery.

3. How long before I can resume normal activities?

Light activities in 2–4 weeks, full recovery may take 6–8 weeks (longer for pneumonectomy).

4. Is VATS safe for elderly patients?

Yes, with proper pre-surgery assessment and lung function tests.