The entire procedure takes approximately 3-4 hours, with the actual surgery only taking an hour or less. This means less general anesthesia than that required during thoracotomy, which is extremely important in the overall recovery. Most patients stay in the hospital for a period of 1 to 3 days. Most patients who have more traditional procedures stay in the hospital for a period of 5 to 7 days. However, patients should always consult a surgeon before returning to their normal activities 4.
Pneumothorax is the most common complication that can occur during the surgery.
This occurs when minor leakage from the lung creates an excess of air that remains between the lung and thoracic wall. The VATS procedure is usually covered by insurance. However, all patients are advised to consult with their insurance companies to see if the procedure is covered under their plan.