Abstract
Pneumonectomy performed by the V.A.T.S. method-Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery-calls for great skill, concentration and experience of the surgeon and puts greater demands on him than classical surgery. Minithoracotomy (5-10 cm) combined with videothoracoscopy have the joint advantages of miniinvasive operation and safety and radicality of the operation.
During surgery lymphadeaectomy can be performed, it is possible to suture injured arteries or veins. Postoperative recovery is markedly better after V.A.T.S. than after conventional surgery.
In the group of the first 11 V.A.T.S. lobectomies and one V.A.T.S. pneumonectomy the authors recorded a very low morbidity and zero mortality. The patients usually do not suffer from postoperative pain and rehabilitate well.
The easier, less painful postoperative course is associated with earlier discharge, rapid convalescence and early return to work. V.A.T.S. is, no doubt, a benefit for the patient with regard to the postoperative response and course of recovery.