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Risks and Complications of VATS Surgery: What Patients Should Know
Ground Glass Nodule (GGO) on Your CT Scan: A Thoracic Surgeon’s Guide to What It Means and When Surgery Is Needed
July 14, 2026
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) has transformed modern thoracic surgery by offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open chest procedures. Unlike conventional surgery that requires a larger incision, VATS uses small incisions and a camera-assisted approach to treat various lung and chest conditions. While VATS surgery offers benefits such as reduced pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays, understanding its risks and complications is important before making an informed treatment decision.
According to Dr. George Karimundackal, a distinguished thoracic surgeon in Mumbai, “VATS is a safe and effective technique when performed with proper patient selection and surgical expertise. A thorough pre-operative assessment helps identify potential risks and allows surgeons to take preventive measures for better outcomes.”
With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Karimundackal specializes in minimally invasive and robotic chest procedures, including VATS surgery for lung cancer, pneumothorax, pleural diseases, and other thoracic conditions. He offers personalized treatment plans focused on patient safety, faster recovery, and improved surgical outcomes.
Not sure how VATS surgery works? Let’s understand the basics first.
What Is VATS Surgery?
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the chest, lungs, and pleura. Instead of making a large chest incision, surgeons make small openings through which a thoracoscope and specialized instruments are inserted.
The camera provides a magnified view of the chest cavity, allowing precise surgical treatment.
VATS is commonly performed for:
- Lung cancer surgery
- Lung biopsy
- Pneumothorax treatment
- Pleural effusion management
- Removal of lung nodules
- Treatment of infections and cysts
- Sympathectomy for hyperhidrosis
Compared to traditional thoracic surgery, VATS generally causes less tissue damage and allows patients to return to normal activities sooner.
Concerned about the safety of VATS surgery? Let’s look at what makes it a trusted approach.
Is VATS Surgery Generally Safe?
Yes, VATS surgery is considered a safe and effective technique when performed by an experienced surgical team. It is widely used worldwide for treating various lung and chest conditions.
The safety of VATS depends on several factors:
- Experience of the thoracic surgeon
- Type and complexity of surgery
- Patient’s overall health
- Presence of other lung or heart conditions
- Pre-operative preparation
Modern advancements in surgical instruments, anesthesia, and post-operative care have significantly improved the safety profile of VATS.
However, like any surgical procedure, VATS carries some risks and possible complications that patients should understand.
Every surgery has potential risks, but knowing them helps you prepare better. Let’s explore the common concerns after VATS.
What Are the Common Risks of VATS Surgery?
Although VATS is minimally invasive, some patients may experience temporary complications during recovery.
Common risks include:
- Pain and Discomfort
Small incisions usually cause less pain than open surgery, but some soreness around the chest area is expected during healing.
- Bleeding
Minor bleeding can occur during or after surgery. In rare cases, additional intervention may be required.
- Infection
Incision site infection or chest infections can occur, although preventive measures significantly reduce this risk.
- Air Leak
A prolonged air leak from the lung is one of the more common complications after VATS, especially after lung resections.
- Breathing Difficulty
Some patients may experience temporary breathing discomfort while the lungs recover after surgery.
- Fluid Collection
Fluid may occasionally accumulate around the lungs, requiring monitoring or drainage.
- Anesthesia-Related Risks
Some patients may experience reactions or complications related to anesthesia.
Have questions about the safety of VATS surgery?
Connect with an experienced thoracic surgeon for personalized guidance.
While uncommon, some complications require special attention. Let’s understand the rare risks.
What Are the Rare but Serious Complications of VATS Surgery?
Serious complications after VATS surgery are uncommon but may include:
- Significant bleeding requiring blood transfusion or another procedure
- Injury to nearby organs or blood vessels
- Severe infection
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Heart rhythm problems
- Respiratory complications
- Need to convert from VATS to open surgery
Conversion to open surgery does not mean the procedure has failed. Sometimes, surgeons may choose this approach to ensure patient safety if the condition requires better access or control.
Does every patient have the same risk level? Let’s explore the factors that can influence outcomes.
Who May Have a Higher Risk of Complications?
Certain conditions may increase the likelihood of complications after VATS surgery, including:
- Advanced lung disease such as COPD
- Poor lung function
- Smoking history
- Previous chest surgeries
- Severe infections
- Heart-related conditions
- Advanced cancer
- Reduced immunity
- Older age with multiple medical problems
A detailed evaluation helps surgeons determine the safest approach for each patient.
How do surgeons prepare to reduce risks? Let’s understand the evaluation process.
How Are VATS Surgery Risks Assessed Before the Procedure?
Before VATS surgery, patients undergo detailed assessments to ensure safety.
Pre-operative evaluation may include:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Chest CT scan or imaging tests
- Lung function tests
- Blood investigations
- Cardiac evaluation when required
- Anesthesia assessment
For patients undergoing lung cancer procedures, Dr. George Karimundackal, a prominent lung cancer specialist in Mumbai, may also evaluate the stage of cancer and overall treatment plan.
Planning for VATS surgery?
Get in touch with an expert who can assess your condition and create a safe, personalized surgical plan
Small preparation steps can make a big difference. Let’s explore ways patients can improve recovery.
How Can Patients Reduce the Risk of Complications?
Patients can reduce risks by:
- Following pre-surgery instructions carefully
- Stopping smoking before surgery
- Maintaining good nutrition
- Informing doctors about existing medical conditions
- Performing breathing exercises after surgery
- Following medication schedules
- Attending follow-up appointments
Active participation in recovery plays an important role in achieving better outcomes.
Knowing what is normal and what is concerning helps during recovery. Let’s discuss important warning signs.
What Warning Signs Should Patients Watch for After VATS Surgery?
Patients should seek medical advice if they experience:
- Increasing chest pain
- High fever
- Worsening breathlessness
- Persistent cough with blood
- Excessive wound redness or discharge
- Sudden swelling or leg pain
- Severe weakness or dizziness
Early reporting of symptoms allows timely management.
Not every discomfort requires concern, but some symptoms need quick attention. Let’s identify when to call your doctor.
When Should You Contact Your Surgeon?
Contact your surgeon if:
- Symptoms suddenly worsen
- Breathing difficulty increases
- Pain is not controlled with medication
- Signs of infection appear
- Recovery is slower than expected
Regular communication with your surgical team helps prevent minor issues from becoming serious complications.
How does VATS compare with traditional surgery? Let’s look at the differences.
VATS Surgery Risks Compared With Open Thoracic Surgery
Both procedures are effective for treating thoracic conditions, but they differ in invasiveness, recovery, and potential complications. The table below highlights the key differences between these two surgical approaches.
Feature | VATS Surgery | Open Thoracic Surgery |
Incision Size | Small incisions | Larger chest incision |
Pain Level | Usually less post-operative pain | Generally more pain after surgery |
Recovery Time | Faster recovery | Longer recovery period |
Hospital Stay | Usually shorter | Often longer |
Scarring | Smaller scars | More noticeable scars |
Surgical Access | Camera-assisted view | Direct access to the chest cavity |
While VATS offers many advantages, open surgery may still be required for certain complex cases.
What happens after surgery? Let’s understand the recovery journey.
Recovery and Follow-Up After VATS Surgery
Recovery after VATS depends on the type of procedure performed and the patient’s overall health.
Most patients experience:
- Short hospital stay
- Gradual improvement in breathing
- Reduced pain compared to open surgery
- Return to daily activities within weeks
Follow-up appointments help monitor healing and identify any concerns early.
Patients undergoing procedures such as lung cancer surgery or complex thoracic operations may require longer monitoring.
Ready to discuss your surgical options?
Speak with a thoracic specialist for expert evaluation and complete care.
Frequently Asked Questions
VATS usually causes less pain than open surgery because it involves smaller incisions. Mild discomfort during recovery is common.
Common complications include pain, air leaks, bleeding, infection, and temporary breathing difficulties.
For many conditions, VATS offers fewer complications, faster recovery, and less pain compared with open surgery.
Most patients recover within a few weeks, depending on the type of procedure and overall health.
Yes, but the scars are usually smaller and less noticeable than those from traditional surgery.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vats-lung-surgery
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269700098_Video-assisted_thoracic_surgery_complications
Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes and not for promotional use.