VATS Lobectomy

What is VATS?

VATS is the medical abbreviation for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and describes a minimally invasive surgical procedure, used for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases of organs located in the thoracic cavity. This method only requires access through small skin incisions (hence minimally invasive), through which special instruments and a camera (the endoscope) are inserted. This procedure is primarily used for the treatment of lung diseases. However, other organs such as the esophagus can also be accessed using VATS.

When is a video-assisted lobectomy performed?

The human lung is comprised of a left and right lung, each of which can be divided into several lobes. The right lung has 3 lobes while the left lung has 2 lobes. The lung lobes can be further subdivided into several segments.

A VATS lobectomy is performed to surgically remove an entire lobe of the lung. If only certain segments of the lobe are removed, this is called a segment resection. This procedure is considered when a disease is limited to a specific anatomical region within a segment or lobe, while the remaining lung tissue is healthy. The most common indication is early-stage lung cancer that can be removed through a lobectomy or segment resection. Both, bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer) and metastases from a distant tumor, can be removed minimally invasive. However, certain criteria must be met in these cases.

Procedure and duration

The anatomical division of the lobes of the lung into segments is relevant for the surgeon, as each segment is supplied by its own artery, vein, and bronchial branch. Therefore, the corresponding vessels have to be separated from the segment and sealed. This can be done using surgical stapling devices – also called staplers – during the VATS lobectomy, which can simultaneously cut and seal lung tissue. This tool minimizes bleeding and ensures airtight sealing of the bronchial branches.

The surgery starts with several small skin incisions, measuring 3-5 cm in length. A camera and special instruments are inserted through these openings to access the thoracic cavity. This high-resolution camera transmits the magnified images onto a monitor in real time, so that the surgeon can follow the procedure. This allows precision work as all the anatomical structures are displayed in detail. The diseased lung segments can be separated step by step, using the above-mentioned stapler. Additionally, adjacent and regional lymph nodes are removed during the surgery. Once the diseased tissue has been detached from the lung, it is placed into a plastic retrieval bag and removed from the thoracic cavity through one of the skin openings.

The duration of the surgery depends on the extent and localization of the affected lung tissue, as well as the general health status of the patient.

Risks and side effects

In contrast to open lobectomy, the minimally invasive VATS lobectomy requires only small skin incisions and avoids rib spreading. As a result, there is less tissue damage, and the recovery is much faster with significantly less postoperative pain. Thus, VATS lobectomy is a more patient-friendly alternative, even though it is a more complex surgery and is only performed in specialized centers by specially trained surgical teams.

Recovery and prognosis

Since patient recovery is comparatively faster following VATS lobectomy, it allows for early mobilization. This reduces the risk of postoperative complications as the hospital stay is usually shorter, and patients are discharged after a few days.

As minimally invasive VATS lobectomy achieves similar long-term results, it is preferred to open lobectomy in most cases, provided that the technical requirements for the procedure are met. A key aspect of VATS lobectomy is the precise visualization and excision of lymph nodes, as examination of these structures can provide more precise information about the necessity of further therapeutic measures, such as chemotherapy, which can ultimately improve disease prognosis.

Which doctors and clinics are specialists in VATS lobectomy?

Patients who are in need of a physician naturally want the best medical care. Therefore, the following question arises: where can I find the best clinic for myself? This question cannot be answered objectively as a reputable doctor would never claim to be the best, one can only rely on the physician’s experience.

We help you find an expert for your medical condition. All listed physicians and clinics have been reviewed by our team based on their outstanding specialization in the field of VATS lobectomy and look forward to your inquiry or treatment request.