(Also Called 'Pleuroscopy', 'Thoracoscopy', 'VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery)')
Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery
What is minimally invasive thoracic surgery?
Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, also called thoracoscopy or
thoracoscopic surgery, is surgery of the chest that is performed with a
thoracoscope (small videoscope) using small incisions and special instruments to
minimize trauma. Other names for this procedure include pleuroscopy or VATS
(video-assisted thoracic surgery).
During thoracoscopic surgery, three small
(approximately 1-inch) incisions are used, as compared with one long 6- to
8-inch chest incision that is used during traditional, "open" thoracic surgery.
Surgical instruments and the thoracoscope are inserted through these small
incisions. The thoracoscope transmits images of the operative area onto a
computer monitor that is positioned next to the patient.
Compared with traditional surgery, patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery experience:
- Decreased postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- More rapid recovery and return to work
Other possible benefits include reduced risk of infection and less bleeding.
Who is a candidate for minimally invasive surgery?
If you need thoracic surgery, a minimally invasive surgical approach will
first be considered. However, there are still some procedures that are best
performed using a traditional, "open," technique.
About one-fourth of the thoracic procedures at Cleveland Clinic are performed using
minimally invasive techniques. Your surgeon will carefully evaluate you to determine the
safest surgical approach to treat your medical condition.
Types of thoracoscopic surgeries
Thoracic surgery procedures routinely performed at Cleveland Clinic using a
minimally invasive technique include:
- Video-assisted lobectomy
- Wedge resection
- Lung biopsy
- Drainage of pleural effusions
- Mediastinal, pericardial, and thymus thoracoscopic procedures
Video-Assisted Lobectomy
Lobectomy (removal of a large section of the lung) is the most common
surgery performed to treat lung cancer. Lobectomy has been traditionally
performed during thoracotomy surgery. During thoracotomy surgery, an incision is
made on the side of the chest between the ribs. The ribs are then spread apart
so the surgeon can see into the chest cavity to remove the tumor or affected tissue.
Cleveland Clinic surgeons routinely perform lobectomy
using a minimally invasive approach. During video-assisted lobectomy, three
1-inch incisions and one 3- to 4-inch incision are made to provide access to the
chest cavity without spreading of the ribs. The patient experiences a more rapid
recovery with less pain and a shorter hospital stay (usually 3 days) with
video-assisted lobectomy as compared with traditional thoracotomy surgery.
Cleveland Clinic is one of the few centers in the
nation with significant experience in video-assisted lobectomy. In addition, the
surgical outcomes of video-assisted lobectomy are comparable to traditional
lobectomy outcomes.
Although minimally invasive approaches are considered
for every patient, in some cases, patients who have a large or more central
tumor may not be candidates for video-assisted lobectomy.
Wedge Resection
A wedge resection is the surgical removal of a wedge-shaped portion of
tissue from one, or both, lungs. A wedge resection is typically performed for
the diagnosis or treatment of small lung nodules.
Lung Biopsy
A lung biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of lung tissue is
removed through a small incision between the ribs. The lung tissue is examined
under a microscope by expert pathologists and may also be sent to a
microbiological laboratory to be cultured. The lung tissue is examined for the
presence of lung diseases such as infectious or interstitial lung disease.
Drainage of Pleural Effusions
A pleural effusion is the build-up of excess fluid between the layers of the
pleura – the thin membrane that lines the outside of the lungs and the inside of
the chest cavity. Normally, very little fluid is present in this space. The
excess fluid is removed (drained) during a thoracoscopic procedure called
thoracentesis and may be collected for analysis to indicate possible causes of
pleural effusion such as infection, cancer, heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney
disease. Sterile talc or an antibiotic may be inserted at the time of surgery to
prevent the recurrence of fluid build-up.
Mediastinal, Pericardial, and Thymus Thoracoscopic procedures
The mediastinum is the area in the middle of the chest between the lungs.
The pericardium is the area surrounding the heart.
The thymus is a small organ located in the upper/front
portion of the chest, extending from the base of the throat to the front of the
heart. The cells of the thymus form a part of the body’s normal immune system.
Early in life, the thymus plays an important role in the development of the
immune system.
Thoracoscopic techniques can be used to examine the mediastinum, pericardium, or thymus,
remove tissue samples, or surgically remove cancerous growths in the affected area.
How can I be evaluated for thoracoscopic surgery?
Please call Thoracic Surgery appointments at 216.445.6860 or 800.223.2273
ext. 56860 to schedule an evaluation with a thoracic surgeon.
When you meet with the thoracic surgeon, a physical exam will be performed and your treatment
options will be discussed. The thoracic surgeon will discuss the benefits and potential risks of
the surgical procedure that is recommended for you.
In general, preoperative tests include:
- Blood tests
- Pulmonary function test (breathing test)
- CT scan
- Electrocardiogram
Your surgeon will determine if any additional
preoperative tests are needed, based on the type of procedure that will be
performed. If a cardiac (heart) evaluation is necessary, a consultation with a
cardiologist will be scheduled.
As part of your preoperative evaluation, you will meet with an anesthesiologist
who will discuss anesthesia and postoperative pain control.
The thoracic surgery scheduler will schedule any additional tests and
consultations that have been requested by your surgeon. In general, after your
first meeting with your surgeon, all tests are scheduled on a single returning
visit for your convenience.
How long will I stay in the hospital after thoracoscopic surgery?
The length of your hospital stay will vary, depending on the procedure that
is performed. In general, patients who have thoracoscopic lung biopsies or wedge
resections are able to go home the day after surgery. Patients who have a VATS
lobectomy are usually able to go home 3 to 4 days after surgery.
What happens after the procedure?
Your thoracic surgery team, including your surgeon, surgical residents and
fellows, surgical nurse clinicians, social workers, and anesthesiologist, will
help you recovery as quickly as possible. During your recovery, you and your
family will receive updates about your progress so you’ll know when you can go home.
Your health care team will provide specific instructions for your recovery and return to work,
including guidelines for activity, driving, incision care, and diet.
Follow-up appointment: A follow-up appointment
will be scheduled 7 to 10 days after your surgery. Your surgeon will assess the
wound sites and your recovery at your follow-up appointment and provide
guidelines about your activities and return to work.
Most people who undergo minimally invasive thoracic
surgery can return to work within 3 to 4 weeks.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 2/10/2010...#6880
