Over the past 2 decades, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has transformed the approach and treatment of various pulmonary, esophageal, and cardiac conditions. Initially introduced by Swedish physician Jacobeaus in 1912 for evaluating and managing pleural effusions in patients with tuberculosis, VATS has since evolved significantly. A pivotal advancement was the introduction of fiber-optic light, which paved the way for safer, minimal-access surgeries.
Over time, VATS has become increasingly favored over traditional thoracotomy, offering benefits such as reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery of respiratory function—particularly beneficial for elderly or frail patients and those with chronic pulmonary conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These advancements have expanded the scope of VATS applications and improved patient outcomes while lowering healthcare costs.
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