[Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for intrathoracic tumors]

Owing to the advent of new thoracoscopic instrument and technique, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has become a new standard in the resection of intrathoracic tumors. Thoracoscopy can be used as both exploratory and therapeutic means. Included as the indication for VATS resection are as follows: benign and malignant lung tumors such as lung cancer, metastatic lung tumor, and etc., benign mediastinal tumors, and benign pleural tumors. Still the indication for VATS resection for malignant disease, especially for lung cancer, is not defined. Further improvement is required in the resectional technique and instruments.