The VATS Lobectomy Book. A Safe and Simple Method of Performing Minimally Invasive Lobectomy for Lung Cancer

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) was the first cardiothoracic application of a minimally invasive surgical technique. In the right patient, the VATS lobectomy approach has meaningful advantages. VATS can offer better visualization, shorter operative times, less pain from smaller incisions, and a reduced length of stay. Beyond that, the technique preserves tactile feedback and works with a large variety of instruments—all at a lower cost than robotic surgery. Despite this fact, there are limited materials available to teach VATS Surgery. The few resources that do teach lobectomy often lose the forest in the trees (or the PA in the parenchyma). Key anatomy is obscured by diagrams with overwhelming detail, or live operative pictures that are often difficult to identify.

The VATS Lobectomy Book aims to establish a standardized approach to lobectomy, utilizing a picture-based approach that shows the anatomy as it normally lies and how it changes after each step in the procedure. The images in the book are oversimplified by design; patients in the operating room will often look different from what is drawn, but the relationships will be the same. By understanding these relationships, surgeons will be able to operate with confidence even when the anatomy may not be readily visible. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand minimally invasive lobectomy through a clear, simplified approach.

• Contains clearly defined anatomical figures with step-by-step instruction for how to perform minimally invasive lobectomy
• A practical, evidence-based resource for clinicians and trainees alike
• Supplemented by hand-drawn color illustrations

CONTENTS

Introduction
How to Use this Book
Part I: Preparing for Surgery
Chapter 1: Pre-Operative Work Up
Chapter 2: Conversion to Thoracotomy and the “3 Strikes Rule”
Chapter 3: Positioning and Ports
Chapter 4: Stapler Port Approach and Order of Transection
Chapter 5: Dissecting the Fissure
Chapter 6: Staple Loads
Chapter 7: Pearls and Pitfalls
Part II: The VATS Lobectomy
Chapter 8: Anatomy of the Lungs
Chapter 9: Right Upper Lobectomy
Chapter 10: Right Middle Lobectomy
Chapter 11: Right Lower Lobectomy
Chapter 12: Left Upper Lobectomy
Chapter 13: Left Lower Lobectomy
Index