VATS Surgery

Fri, 15 Dec 2023

Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: Get VATS Procedure from the Best Thoracic Surgeon | Dr. Arvind Kumar

Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, or VATS is an advanced approach to thoracotomy, commonly called open chest surgery. This procedure is minimally invasive and can address most of the issues that earlier required an open surgery. With the specific equipment setup and an experienced surgeon, the VATS procedure offers multiple advantages over the traditional surgical method.

Dr. Arvind Kumar is an accomplished surgeon specializing in thoracic or chest surgeries. With decades of hands-on experience and a long list of successful operations in his resumé, he is the best chest surgeon in Gurgaon and Delhi, and among the top surgeons in the country. Dr. Arvind Kumar offers VATS thoracoscopic surgery at highly affordable rates to his patients. He takes a personalized approach in each case to ensure every patient gets the best available treatment.

Learn more about VATS surgery and the related services offered by Dr. Arvind Kumar.

What is VATS Surgery?

The name Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery rightfully explains the crust of this procedure. It is a minimally invasive technique, meaning the surgery is performed through one or more small incisions made around the target area. Performed in 1992 for the first time to remove a lung, this method allows for an easier, quicker, and painless recovery.

Our surgeon inserts a thin and long tube with a small camera on the top through one of the incisions. This camera, called a thoracoscope, provides live footage on a large screen placed beside the operation table. The surgeon refers to this live video while performing the surgery. 

The surgery is carried out using another set of specialized tools inserted through other incision(s). This video-assisted surgery requires precision and hence, an expert at work.

VATS is an advanced method that is quicker and less demanding on the patient. Moreover, it can help address several health issues related to the thoracic or chest area.

What is the Scope of VATS Procedure?

The video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery covers the thoracic or chest area. This includes the following primary organs:

• The lungs

• The heart

• The diaphragm

• The oesophagus

• The ribs and the breastbone

• The thymus gland

• Any lymph nodes in the area

Our surgeon uses the VATS method for the following purposes:

• Diagnose any conditions or diseases of the thoracic organs mentioned above.

• Treat a condition or disease of the thoracic organs.

• Remove an organ, or a part of it, if necessary.

The various applications to these multiple organs and sites provide a wide scope for the application of VATS. Our expert lung surgeon, Dr. Arvind Kumar, utilizes these features of the surgery to allow his patients quick diagnoses and treatments with minimal pain and restrictions.

Do You Need a VATS Surgery?

The VATS technique addresses several health concerns. Dr. Arvind Kumar always ensures that you require this surgery for the diagnosis or treatment before moving on with the procedure. Here are some instances where our surgeon may suggest this thoracoscopic surgery.

1. For a Cancer Diagnosis

Our doctor may suggest a  VATS biopsy procedure to diagnose or confirm cancer in the thoracic area. This is usually done for cancer of the lungs or the lymph nodes in the chest area. VATS can also help diagnose pleural mesothelioma which is a type of cancer affecting the tissues that surround your lungs.

In this procedure, our surgeon inserts the thoracoscope and the surgical instruments through one or more incisions and removes a part of the tissue sample from the target area. This obtained sample is then tested for any cancerous activity to confirm the diagnosis.

2. VATS as a Tumor Removal Surgery

If your oncologist suggests the surgical removal of a tumor present in the chest cavity, our expert surgeon can perform VATS for the same. This procedure is an effective lung cancer treatment option as it can allow the complete removal of a tumor. It also serves as a lung cancer therapy to remove any cancerous cells before or after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of both treatments. Tumors along the lymph nodes and other parts of the chest can also be removed.

3. VATS for Lung Surgery

Our pulmonary surgeon also performs VATS for different lung surgeries including the lung wedge resection procedure. This involves removing a part of the lung to remove a tumor or the reduction of lung volume. It also helps resolve pulmonary nodules or lung nodules. Our surgeon also performs this surgery to remove scar tissues or abscesses from or around the lungs.

4. VATS for Esophagectomy

The esophagus is the long tube connecting the oral cavity to your stomach. Also called the food pipe, it helps you swallow your food. Any traumatic injury or certain conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) require the removal of the entire or a part of the esophagus. This procedure is called esophagectomy and can be carried out using the VATS method.

5. VATS for Issues of the Chest Wall

Our surgeon also performs VATS to address issues associated with the chest wall. Some of these cases are congenital, meaning present since birth, while others are acquired by physical trauma or other diseases. Removal of scar tissue, abscess, or taking a tissue sample for diagnosis can also be carried out.

6. VATS for Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion refers to removing or draining the fluids that build up in the pleural cavity, the space between the lungs and the pleural tissues that surround it. VATS provides easy access to the pleural cavity and thus allows the easy drainage of the fluid or abscess. Conditions like stage 4 lung cancer and fluid in the lungs coincide often and this method can be a quick solution. 

7. VATS to Treat Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is a condition where air enters the pleural cavity, leading to pain and difficulty in breathing. Similar to pleural effusion, VATS can be applied here to remove the air accumulated in the space. 

8. Thymectomy by VATS

Thymectomy refers to the removal of the thymus gland present right behind the breastbone. This procedure is primarily carried out as a treatment for myasthenia gravis but can be required for several other causes. Through minimally invasive cuts, our surgeon can easily access the thymus gland and perform the surgery through the VATS method.

9. Treatment for Pericarditis and Pneumopericardium

Pericarditis and pneumopericardium are medical terms referring to the accumulation of fluid or air, respectively, around the heart. This accumulation occurs in the pericardial cavity, the space between the heart and the membrane surrounding the heart called pericardium. VATS allows easy access to the pericardial cavity and draining of the accumulated fluid or air. 

10. VATS to Treat Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia is a condition where a part of the upper stomach protrudes into the chest cavity through an opening or hole in the diaphragm. Sometimes this can be felt from the outside by touch as a protrusion in the lower chest cavity. Our surgeon can treat this condition using Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery.

11. To Treat Hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis refers to a condition that causes excessive sweating. Our surgeon can address this condition using the VATS thoracoscopic surgery. 

12. Other Conditions

Dr. Arvind Kumar also uses VATS to address other conditions associated with the heart, lungs, ribs, or the upper spine.

How to Prepare for VATS Surgery by Dr. Arvind Kumar?

Before the surgery, Dr. Arvind Kumar ensures that you are eligible for the procedure. This involves looking at your medical history and running a few tests.

Once you are deemed eligible, here is what you can expect before the surgery:

• You may need to discontinue a few medications like blood thinners and over-the-counter medicines, if you take them, at least two weeks before the surgery.
• You will have to quit smoking or drinking alcohol before the surgery and even while you recover.
• The doctor will advise you to exercise regularly and perform breathing exercises, either manually or using a device called a spirometer.
• The doctors will check your heart and lung function before the surgery to prevent any complications.
• The doctors will run a few imaging tests like X-rays, ECG, and others for some final reports and readings.
• The doctors will ask you to fast for at least twelve hours before the surgery.

What to Expect During the Surgery?

Dr. Arvind Kumar is very focused and attentive during surgery to ensure the best results.

Here is what you can expect during this advanced surgery:

• Our surgeon will give you general anesthesia so you will be unconscious during the procedure and will not feel any pain. 
• The surgeon will insert a tube into your windpipe to ensure continuous breathing during the surgery.
• Then, they will make a few small cuts around the target site and insert the camera and other surgical devices to begin the procedure.
• Based on the objective and complexity of the process, VATS surgery usually takes two to four hours on average.
• Once done, our surgeon will sew up the incisions and wrap them carefully with bandages.

What to Expect After the Surgery?

You will wake up around two to three hours after this thoracoscopic surgery. 

Here is what the aftermath of the procedure looks like:

• When you wake up, there will be different monitors to keep an eye on your vitals. The doctor may place a tube through your nasal cavity for oxygen and nutrition. One tube may be attached to your chest to collect any built-up fluids.
• You will need to stay for a few days under observation; the duration varies based on the complexity of your condition.
• The doctor will give you painkillers, antibiotics, and a few other medications to aid in a quick and painless recovery.
• You will need to avoid any kind of physical activity during recovery.
• The bandages will be removed by the doctor a few days or weeks after the surgery.
• As the process is minimally invasive, there will be minimal pain and difficulty during recovery.

Are There Any Risks?

As with every medical procedure, this video-assisted surgery also involves potential risks. However, Dr. Arvind ensures that you are eligible for the procedure and that your body can take the strain of the surgery and recover fully. 

You can also consult with our doctor about the same and they will inform you about the potential complications after lung cancer surgery or other surgery by the VATS method. You get the green light for the surgery only if there is no considerable risk.

Get the Best and Most Reliable VATS Surgery by Dr. Arvind Kumar

Dr. Arvind Kumar is a renowned name in the world of surgery in India and beyond its borders. He specializes in thoracic and thoracoscopic surgery and believes that every patient should get the best available treatment that is efficient, effective, and affordable. 

Dr Arvind has performed numerous VATS sessions to address different health issues. You can opt for a consultation to see ifthe VATS procedure is a viable option for you. To get affordable VATS surgery by a professional expert, reach out to us.

FAQs

1. Why is a VATS procedure done?

VATS can be done to address a number of different health issues. It is performed as a diagnostic procedure, a treatment, and for therapeutic purposes. This method covers most of the health issues associated with the thoracic region, including the heart, lungs, diaphragm, esophagus, thymus gland, ribs, breastbone, and lymph nodes in the area.

2. Is a VATS procedure painful?

Right before the VATS surgery, the surgeon will inject you with general anesthesia. Therefore, you will be unconscious during the procedure and will not feel any pain. After the surgery, the doctor will prescribe some painkillers to ensure a painless recovery. The operated area might be a little sore for a few days after the surgery but it will get better.

3. Is VATS a high-risk surgery?

VATS is a relatively safe procedure. While there are potential risks, as with any surgery, it should be fine if you are eligible for the procedure. Opt for an experienced surgeon with a favorable surgical history. Before the surgery, the doctors will run some tests to ensure you are ready for the procedure.

4. Do you need a chest tube after VATS?

After the VATS surgery, the doctor will insert a chest tube in the operated area. It is necessary to remove any built-up fluid in the area which is normal after surgery. The tube will be removed within a few days after the surgery.

5. What are the restrictions after VATS surgery?

After the VATS surgery, you will have to stay in the hospital for a few days under observation. Once you are allowed to go home, you will be required to take the prescribed medications carefully and follow the doctor’s instructions. The stitches, staples, and bandages will be removed in a few days or weeks after the surgery. Avoid driving, lifting heavy weights, or performing rigorous physical activity. You can get back to these activities once the doctor deems it safe. The doctor will also ask you to pay follow-up visits during recovery to check how you are healing.

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