Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and open chest surgery in infectious lung diseases

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for infection or inflammatory conditions is uncommon as compared to lung cancer. In most developed countries less than 5% of all VATS procedures are for infective/inflammatory conditions. However VATS is technically more challenging in this situation and are more prone to postoperative complications. Principles of VATS for infectious diseases involve complete safe surgical removal of the diseased infected lung and prevention of major complications by minimally invasive technique.