VATS Lung Surgery
VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is minimally invasive chest surgery in which the surgeon operates inside the chest through a few small incisions, guided by a video camera, rather than opening the chest wall. It is used to diagnose and treat lung conditions — including lung cancer, nodules and other diseases — and generally means less pain, smaller scars and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
In VATS, the surgeon makes a few small incisions between the ribs and inserts a thoracoscope — a thin camera that displays a high-definition view inside the chest — along with fine instruments. This avoids the large incision and rib spreading of traditional open chest surgery (thoracotomy). It can be used to take biopsies, remove lung nodules, perform a wedge or segment removal, or carry out a lobectomy (removal of a lobe of the lung) for cancer in suitable patients.
Because it works through small incisions, VATS generally causes less pain, leaves smaller scars and allows a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay than open surgery, which can be particularly important for patients with limited lung reserve. Not every case is suitable, and the surgeon advises when an open approach is safer — for example for large or centrally placed tumors.
Thoracic surgeons work within a multidisciplinary team, and where cancer is involved, with oncologists and a tumor board. International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, including the expected stay and recovery, and our specialists can review CT imaging and reports remotely to confirm whether VATS is appropriate.
Who is a candidate?
- People with a lung nodule or mass that needs biopsy or removal
- Patients with early-stage lung cancer suitable for minimally invasive resection
- Those needing diagnosis or treatment of other lung or pleural (lung-lining) conditions
- People who may particularly benefit from a smaller incision and faster recovery
- Patients whose surgeon confirms a keyhole approach is safe for their specific case
What happens
- 1
Assessment and planning
CT imaging, and often PET-CT for cancer, define the problem, and the team confirms whether a VATS approach is suitable compared with open surgery.
- 2
Preparation
Tests of lung function and general fitness help plan the operation safely, and you are prepared for general anesthesia. The procedure and recovery are explained.
- 3
The operation
Through a few small incisions between the ribs, the surgeon uses a video camera and fine instruments to take a biopsy or remove the affected lung tissue, avoiding a large open incision.
- 4
Early recovery
A small chest drain removes air and fluid as the lung re-expands, and is removed once it is no longer needed. Most patients are mobile soon after surgery, with pain managed carefully.
- 5
Follow-up
You receive a recovery plan and, where cancer is involved, the pathology results guide any further treatment. International patients are given a follow-up plan, with remote support after returning home.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive — small incisions rather than a large open chest incision
- Generally less pain, smaller scars and a faster recovery than open surgery
- Often a shorter hospital stay, valuable for patients with limited lung reserve
- Both diagnoses and treats many lung and pleural conditions
- Used for early-stage lung cancer surgery, including lobectomy, in suitable patients
Risks & considerations
- Bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia, as with any major surgery
- Air leak from the lung, which the chest drain manages and which usually settles
- Occasionally, conversion to open surgery if needed for safety during the operation
- Not suitable for every case — large or central tumors may need open surgery
- Results for the underlying condition depend on the diagnosis, not the technique alone
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Robotic Surgery Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
VATS Lung Surgery — frequently asked questions
VATS is video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery — minimally invasive chest surgery performed through a few small incisions with a video camera, rather than opening the chest. It is used to diagnose and treat lung conditions, including early-stage lung cancer.
For suitable cases, VATS generally means less pain, smaller scars, a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery than open surgery, which can be especially important for patients with limited lung reserve. Your surgeon confirms whether it is appropriate for you.
No. While many procedures can be done with VATS, large or centrally placed tumors and some other situations may need open surgery for safety. Occasionally an operation started as VATS is converted to open surgery if that is safer.
Yes. Send your CT or PET-CT and reports and our specialists advise whether a VATS approach is appropriate and what it would involve, before you commit to travel.
VATS often allows a shorter stay than open surgery — frequently around two to five nights — plus follow-up before flying. Your coordinator confirms the plan. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your imaging rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering vats lung surgery?
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