Why is this procedure done?
VATS stands for video-assisted thoracic surgery. It is done to look at and fix problems of the lungs. These may include cancer, infection, or removing a collection of fluids. The doctor will make 3 to 4 small cuts in your chest in between your ribs. A scope with a tiny camera is put through one of the small cuts to look at your lungs. Your doctor will put small surgical tools into the holes to do the surgery. ‚
What will the results be?
An easier surgery for the patient ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Lab tests
- CT scan
- Pulmonary function tests
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will lie on your side during the surgery.
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You may not be put on a breathing machine during the surgery. This depends on the type of surgery you are having done.
- The doctor may need to remove the air from a part of your lungs during the surgery.
- Your doctor will make a few small cuts in your chest. The doctor will pump gas into the chest cavity. The doctor will put a small scope with a tiny camera into one of the small cuts.
- The thoracoscope is connected to a monitor. This will show images of the area around the lungs or the lungs during the procedure. The doctor looks at the pictures on a TV screen to see the inside of the chest while working in that area.
- The doctor will put small surgical tools through the other cuts in the chest.
- The doctor may put a rubber tube into your chest to drain the collected air or fluid during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor makes a cut in your chest during the surgery to take care of your lung problem. You will stay in intensive care after your surgery and will have chest tubes in place.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure takes 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely.
- You will feel pain after the surgery. The doctor will give you drugs for pain.
- The staff will show you how to do coughing and deep breathing exercises. This will help you clear your lungs and prevent infection.
- The doctor may order a chest x-ray after surgery.
- You may have a drain tube in your chest after the surgery.
- Sometimes, you may stay in intensive care overnight.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Air leak around the lung
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚