Dr. Rajendra Umbarkar

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat conditions within the chest, particularly involving the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum. Instead of making a large incision, VATS uses small keyhole incisions through which a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and specialized instruments are inserted. The camera projects high-resolution images onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to perform precise procedures with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. VATS is commonly used for lung biopsies, lobectomies, pleural effusion drainage, empyema treatment, pneumothorax repair, and mediastinal mass removal.

The benefits of VATS include smaller incisions, less postoperative pain, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open thoracic surgery. Patients also tend to experience fewer complications and a quicker return to normal activities. While not suitable for all cases—especially very large or invasive tumors—VATS has become the preferred approach for many thoracic procedures, reflecting a significant advancement in patient-centered surgical care.