The VATS Lobectomist: Analysis of Costs and Alterations in the Traditional Surgical Working Pattern in the Modern Surgical Unit

Analysis of cost issues in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is complicated by social and health care system factors. Overall, VATS lobectomy costs are similar to open lobectomy. Operating room costs are noticeably increased but are more than offset by reduced inpatient stay with consequent generation of bed days for other cases. VATS lobectomy is one of a series of minimally invasive tools available to surgeons. With appropriate skills and resourcing, VATS resections could account for 30% of the lobectomies undertaken in most units.