UTILITY OF VIDEO ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY (VATS) IN RESPIRATORY DISEASES

Abstract

Background: VATS has diverse application from diagnostic usage to therapeutic measures. Hence the present study was undertaken to study the utility of VATS in respiratory diseases in our tertiary care centre. Methods: A total of 30 patients underwent VATS. Demographic data and peri operative details were noted. Surgical outcome, conversion rate, length of hospital stay and complications were noted. Results: Majority of study subject's age range was from (20 -40) years. (63.3%). The male: female ratio was 1.5:1. Commonest indication was Empyema( TB/Parapneumonic ) (53.33%) followed by Post thoracis trauma (6.6%) , Cystic Disease /Bulle/Pneumothorax (6.6%), Fungal Aspergilloma (6.6% ), Pleural Biopsy (6.6%) , Pulmonary Hydatid Disease (6.6%), Lung Abscess ( 6.6%) , Ca Oesophagus for VATS Esophagectomy (3.3%) and Suspicious malignant Pleural Effusion ( 3.3%).Therapeutic indication was (76.6%), diagnostic indications were (6.6%) and both were (16.6%). Diagnostic accuracy was (93.3 %). Conversion rate was (20 %). Complications were seen in (30%). Average hospital was found to be 12.59 +/- 5. 41 days (7-34 day) and chest tube drainage was 8.7 days +/- 3.0 days. Conclusions: VATS enables diagnostic accuracy for better therapeutic management. Our experience suggests that VATS is an alternative means of treatment and an excellent initial approach to various respiratory diseases.