Video-assisted thoracoscopic operations

Since 1994, we have used video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in 98 patie nts (58 males and 40 females, age 20-65 years) for treatment of the spontan eous pneumothorax (82 patients), peripheral tumors (4 patients) and cancers of lung (12 patients). We used VATS with small incision 6-8 cm to perform lobectomy. Surgeon inserts his hand to determine the consistency of the lung tissue, t umors, hilar lymph nodes and the presence of metastatic pulmonary nodules w hich helps to make decision to perform with the help of special endoscopic instruments and surgeons hand. In 94% cases we achieved good results, less pain, better recovery and shorter hospital stay. No patient died. The new v ideo-assisted technique with the help of surgeon's hand reduces the operati ve time and makes lobotomy easier for the surgeon.