Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in your chest. During a VATS procedure, a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted into your chest through one or more small incisions in your chest wall.

Why it’s done

Surgeons use the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery technique to perform a variety of procedures, such as:

• Biopsy to diagnose lung cancer, mesothelioma and other chest cancers
• Lung surgery, such as surgery to treat lung cancer and lung volume reduction surgery
• Procedures to remove excess fluid or air from the area around the lungs
• Surgery to relieve excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Surgery to treat certain types of esophageal disorders