What is a VATS washout?

What is a VATS washout?

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in your chest. During a VATS procedure, a tiny camera (thoracoscope) and surgical instruments are inserted into your chest through one or more small incisions in your chest wall.

How do I prepare for VATS lobectomy?

How do I prepare for a VATS lobectomy?

1. Be reviewed by a cardiologist – a specialist will check that your heart is safe for the surgery.
2. Check with your doctor about taking your medications – you may need to stop taking some medications before your surgery, such as blood thinners; your doctor will talk to you about this.

How do I prepare for VATS surgery?

How do I get ready for VATS?

1. You may need to stop taking certain medicine before the surgery, like blood thinners.
2. If you smoke, you need to quit before your surgery.
3. Daily exercise is an important part of getting ready.
4. You might need to do breathing exercises with a device called a spirometer.

What are VATS procedures?

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a procedure in which a small tube called a thoracoscope is inserted through a small incision between the ribs. At the end of the tube is a small camera. This lets the surgeon see the entire chest cavity without having to open up the chest or spread the ribs.

How long are you in hospital after VATS?

This video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) technique reduces a patient’s hospital stay to about three to four days and the patient experiences a more rapid recovery with less pain after VATS lobectomy surgery as compared with the traditional thoracotomy approach.

How long is recovery from VATS?

You will have stitches or staples in the incisions. Your doctor will take these out 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery. The amount of time you will need to recover depends on the surgery you had. But you probably will need to take it easy at home for at least 1 to 2 weeks.

How long do you stay in the hospital after lung surgery?

Most people stay in the hospital for 5 to 7 days after open thoracotomy. Hospital stay for a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is most often shorter. You may spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) after either surgery.