Operations to remove portions of the lung are a cornerstone of the treatment of lung cancer. Other conditions that may require lung, or pulmonary, resection included spontaneous pneumothorax, infections, and lung biopsy.
Traditional surgery for lung disease requires an incision between the ribs over the affected portion of the lung. Depending on the condition, a small (segment) or large (lobe) portion of the lung is removed. Lung cancer typically requires lobectomy, whereas lung biopsy and pneumothorax may only need segementectomy.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a less invasive approach utilizing small incisions or "ports." A video camera is placed inside the chest and thin instruments are inserted through the ports for surgical manipulation. Biopsies and even complete lobectomies can be performed with the VATS approach. This allows the patient to recover more quickly with less discomfort.