Risk Factors Causing Lung Cancer
- Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
- Exposure to carcinogens from occupational hazards and air pollution, such as fumes from heavy metals, nickel vapors, asbestos fibers, agricultural chemicals, stone dust, and smog
- Individuals with previous lung conditions such as tuberculosis or emphysema have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than the general population
- Increasing age, with higher incidence in people aged 40 and above
- Genetics
Lung Cancer Can Be Treated with Uniportal VATS (Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery)
VATS (Video – Assisted Thoracic Surgery) is a thoracic endoscopic surgery using a long lens combined with special long surgical instruments inserted through the intercostal space without rib spreading. All instruments are inserted through a 3-4 centimeter incision at the posterior edge of the nipple line.
This surgical method uses advanced techniques. The surgeon must be skilled and experienced in 2- and 3-port thoracoscopic surgeries. This technique is called “Uniportal VATS,” which differs from traditional surgery. Patients experience less postoperative pain compared to 3-port surgery, and the surgical outcomes are comparable. Due to the small incision size and no need for rib cutting, patients recover faster and can return to work or daily activities sooner, with an average hospital stay of only 1-3 days.
Uniportal VATS Can Be Used to Treat Various Thoracic Diseases, Such As
- Lung cancer
- Thymoma
- Chest infections (Empyema thoracis)
- Recurrent pneumothorax
- Myasthenia gravis
- Malignant pericardial/pleural effusion from cancer
Limitations of Uniportal VATS Surgery
Thoracoscopic surgery can replace open surgery for almost all thoracic diseases but has limitations in certain conditions such as advanced lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and chronic empyema thoracis.
For each surgery, the technique depends on the surgeon’s skill and experience, who will decide whether to perform uniportal VATS, multi-port VATS, or open surgery to ensure safety and the best treatment outcomes.
Dr. Phadungkiet Tangpirultham
Specialist Surgeon
Surgical Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
