VATS anatomic lung resections-the European experience

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Oncology

Background:

• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has evolved over decades.
• The first VATS lobectomy for lung cancer occurred in 1992.
• Initial adoption of VATS for lung cancer was slow due to perceived complexity and safety concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution and current standing of VATS in lung cancer treatment.
• To address historical skepticism regarding VATS oncological validity.
• To highlight the recent advancements and widespread acceptance of VATS.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical data and procedural development in VATS.
• Analysis of practice changes in thoracic surgery over the last decade.
• Assessment of surgeon adoption rates and perceptions of VATS.

Main Results:

• VATS lobectomy for lung cancer, first performed in 1992, faced initial slow uptake.
• Surgeons were initially skeptical about VATS complexity, safety, and oncological validity.
• Recent advancements and standardization have led to widespread adoption and proven superiority.

Conclusions:

• VATS has transformed lung cancer treatment over the past decade.
• A new generation of surgeons has refined and standardized VATS.
• VATS is now recognized as a valid and superior treatment for lung cancer.