[Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery--indications, technique and results]

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery became an important tool in the surgical treatment of various thoracic disease. Currently many interventions which routinely required thoracotomy can be performed by VATS safely and with excellent results. This includes pleurectomy, decortication, wedge-resection, bullectomy and volume reduction surgery for emphysema, biopsy and/or resection of mediastinal tumors, thymectomy for myasthenia gravis, sympathectomy and even lobectomy. The benefit of thoracoscopic surgery is reduced postoperative pain, including diminished impairment of pulmonary function, shorter hospital stay and the more rapid recovery.