Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for Lung Cancer

Skip Navigation

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a surgery that may be done to remove lung cancer.

VATS is a less invasive procedure than a regular open chest surgery (thoracotomy), where the chest is cut open and the ribs are spread apart to allow access to the lungs. VATS uses several small cuts (incisions) so a tiny camera and special tools can be inserted into the chest and lung to remove cancer.

VATS also allows for a faster recovery than open chest surgery. And there are fewer problems during and after surgery.

La Enciclopedia de salud contiene información general de salud. No todos los tratamientos o servicios descritos son beneficios cubiertos para los miembros de Kaiser Permanente ni se ofrecen como servicios de Kaiser Permanente. Para obtener una lista de beneficios cubiertos, consulte su Evidencia de cobertura o Descripción resumida del plan. Para los tratamientos recomendados, consulte con su proveedor de atención médica.