Minimally invasive, video-assisted thorascopic surgeries for lung cancer provide clinical and economic advantages

Ethicon Endo-Surgery, a provider of advanced surgical solutions for minimally-invasive and open procedures, have announced the results of a study suggesting that video-assisted thorascopic surgery (VATS) wedge resections (surgery removing a tumorous section of the lung) are associated with shorter operative times, shorter lengths of stay and lower hospital costs than open wedge resections. “In the past two decades, thoracoscopic procedures for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer have been transformed by the ongoing refinement of VATS techniques and equipment, particularly high definition cameras and monitors. Thoracoscopic procedures are now rarely performed without the use of video-assistance, but the adoption has been slower in ... deep wedge resections,” said Dr. John Howington of the NorthShore University HealthSystem. “Any evidence supporting the advantages of VATS will further the adoption of these procedures, improving patient outcomes and lowering overall hospital costs.”