Thoracoscopy/video- Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

While there are different names for this procedural technique, from thoracoscopy to the more commonly used Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS), the primary concept is avoidance of a large chest incision through conventional surgery. This technique involves only the application of trocar ports or small 2 cm incisions where instruments are inserted through the ribs to allow the completion of a specific procedure. This classification includes 'dual port thoracoscopy' in which only two small ports are inserted.Thoracoscopy is classified depending on the purpose of the procedure:

DIAGNOSTIC: When VATS is used to access the thoracic cavity for exploration, or specific maneuvers as taking biopsies of tumors, lung lesions, mediastinal and pleural.

THERAPEUTIC: This is when thoracoscopy is used to perform a specific procedure in any way intended to cure or treat the patient. Examples are: apical bullae resection or blebectomies for repeated pneumothorax or lung volume reduction, performing a pericardial window for pericardial effusion, drainage and decortication of pleural collections caused by bleeding or infection or resection of lesions located in the pleura and performing thoracic sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis.