Indications for and results of video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Between January 1991 and February 1996, and February 1996, 222 videothoracoscopic operations were conducted in 215 patients. Indications for video-assisted thoracic surgery (Vats) have included management of pneumothorax, (91), pleural effusion (59), lung nodules (41), mediastinal biopsy (8), need for lung biopsy (10), small endothoracic masses (6), haemothorax (4), gangliectomy in Raynaud syndrome (1), the removal of jugular vein catheter (1), and middle lobectomy for A-V fistula (1). Fifteen procedures were converted to thoracotomy; nine conversions were made for more extensive resection after a diagnosis of primary lung malignancy. Other reasons for conversion were adhesions (6). There was one complication (haemothorax). There were no intraoperative deaths. Mean operative time was 60 min. (median line); the median chest tube duration was three days and hospital stay five days. The video-assisted thoracic surgery procedures were safe, and for patients the advantages included less pain and earlier post-operative mobilization.