According to GLOBOCAN 2020 regarding the incidence and deaths from cancer produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) shows that lung cancer is still the main cause of cancer deaths, with an estimated 1.8 million deaths (18%) in 2020.
VATS is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat chest problems.
During a VATS procedure, a small camera and surgical tools are inserted into the chest through one or more small incisions in the chest wall. The camera, called a thoracoscope, sends images of the inside of the chest to a video monitor.
What procedures can be done using the VATS method
- Removal of tissue to diagnose chest cancer, including lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the tissue around the lungs.
- Lung surgery, such as surgery to treat lung cancer and lung volume reduction surgery.
- A procedure to remove excess fluid or air from the area around the lungs.
- Surgery to eliminate excessive sweating, a condition called hyperhidrosis.
- Surgery to treat problems with the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach.
- Surgery called esophagectomy to remove part or all of the esophagus.
- Hiatal hernia repair, when the upper part of the stomach is pushed into the chest through a hole in the diaphragm.
- Surgery called a thymectomy removes the thymus gland, a small organ just behind the breastbone.
- Certain procedures involving the heart, ribs, spine, and diaphragm.
- Rapid evaluation of trauma and to stop the source of bleeding
Benefits of the VATS Act
- Shorter hospital stay.
- Faster recovery of respiratory function.
- Return more quickly to daily activities.
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This article was written by dr. Marolop Pardede, Sp. BTKV, Subsp.VE (K), MH (Specialist in Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, Vascular & Endovascular Subspecialist, Grha Kedoya Hospital).