Once your operation is scheduled, your doctor will advise you on how to prepare. In general, you need to fast before the procedure.
Note: If you are taking any medication or herbal supplements, you should inform your doctor. You may need to adjust or stop taking some medication before the procedure (e.g. aspirin, blood thinners).
What can you expect in VATS?
VATS is performed under general anaesthesia.
Estimated duration
The procedure lasts about 1 – 2 hours. Depending on the extent of the surgery, it may take longer.
During the procedure
During VATS, your surgeon will make several small cuts on the chest wall in which to insert the thoracoscope and surgical instruments.
After the procedure
Depending on the extent of the procedure and your condition, you may stay in the hospital for a few days.
Post-operative pain is normal and will be managed with medication.
As soon as you are able, you are advised to stand and walk to aid in the recovery process. You may also be asked to use a device that encourages you to breathe deeply to prevent an infection from developing.
Compared with a traditional open operation (thoracotomy), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery typically results in less pain, fewer complications and shortened recovery time.
Why choose Mount Elizabeth Hospitals?
With modern technology, facilities and a skilled team of specialists and staff, Mount Elizabeth Orchard and Mount Elizabeth Novena in Singapore offer quality surgical care. This includes minimally invasive procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). You can be assured of holistic care that lowers recovery time and improves success rates.
Estimated cost
Private healthcare can be affordable. Use our Hospital Bill Estimator to determine the estimated cost of this procedure. If you have hospital insurance, find out how you can use your insurance.
Find doctors from our allied hospitals
We offer a full spectrum of healthcare services under IHH Healthcare Singapore.
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