VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery)
Steps Involved in IVF:
Procedure Description:
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique widely used to diagnose and treat various conditions within the thoracic cavity, which includes the lungs, chest wall, and surrounding areas. Unlike traditional open surgery, VATS employs small incisions through which a surgeon inserts a tiny camera (a thoracoscope) and specialized surgical instruments. The camera projects real-time images onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to operate with enhanced precision and reduced trauma to the surrounding tissues. This approach minimizes the need for large cuts and spreads the ribs less than traditional thoracotomy, leading to shorter recovery times and decreased postoperative discomfort for patients.
Primarily, VATS is used to treat conditions such as lung cancer, infections, pleural effusion, and pneumothorax. It's particularly beneficial for resecting lung tumors, making it a valuable option for early-stage lung cancer patients. For lung cancer, VATS can be used to perform lobectomies, where a lobe of the lung is removed, as well as segmentectomies or wedge resections, depending on the tumor’s size and location. The thoracoscope provides a high-definition view of the chest cavity, aiding surgeons in performing precise tissue removal and making accurate diagnoses.
The VATS approach is also used for diagnosing certain chest infections or diseases. In cases of pleural effusion or chronic pneumothorax, VATS enables draining or resecting diseased tissue. Additionally, VATS can play a diagnostic role in biopsies when imaging results are inconclusive, allowing for small tissue samples to be taken for further analysis. With its broad applications and minimal invasiveness, VATS has gained popularity among patients and surgeons alike for treating complex thoracic conditions safely and effectively.
Procedure Duration:
The duration of VATS varies significantly based on the condition being treated, the complexity of the operation, and the patient’s health. Generally, a VATS procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours. When used for a straightforward biopsy, the operation may last approximately an hour, while more complex procedures, like a lobectomy, can extend up to several hours, depending on factors such as tissue adhesions and the location of the target tissue.
The procedure itself begins with administering general anesthesia to the patient. Once sedated, small incisions are made in the chest through which the thoracoscope and instruments are introduced. The surgeon proceeds to inspect and operate within the chest cavity with real-time visuals, making precise cuts or excisions as needed. During the operation, the patient’s vital signs are closely monitored, and various surgical teams assist in ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.
Postoperative recovery in the hospital typically lasts a few days, though the exact length depends on the surgery's complexity and the patient's overall health. Patients undergoing simpler biopsies may be discharged within 24 to 48 hours, while those who have had a lobectomy or other extensive surgery may require a hospital stay of three to five days. Full recovery at home generally takes one to two months, though patients often experience significantly less pain and faster recovery times compared to traditional thoracotomy surgeries.
Benefits:
- Minimally Invasive: Small incisions reduce trauma, leading to less pain and quicker recovery than traditional open surgery.
- Lower Risk of Complications: Reduced chance of infection, bleeding, and other complications due to smaller incision size.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients require only a few days of hospitalization, lowering medical costs and reducing infection risks.
- High Precision: The high-definition camera provides detailed images, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Improved Cosmetic Outcome: Smaller incisions mean less scarring, which appeals to patients concerned about visible marks post-surgery.
Potential Destinations:
- South Korea: Known for advanced medical technology and highly trained thoracic surgeons, South Korea has become a prime destination for minimally invasive surgeries. The country's high standards in healthcare and strong focus on innovation make it a top choice for VATS procedures.
- Turkey: Turkey offers well-established medical tourism services with state-of-the-art facilities at competitive prices. The country’s skilled surgeons and modern hospitals, combined with the potential for significant cost savings, attract many patients for thoracic surgeries, including VATS.
- Germany: Renowned for its excellence in medical care, Germany is a popular destination for VATS, especially among patients looking for advanced care in a European setting. With a focus on high-quality healthcare and rigorous standards, Germany’s hospitals are equipped to handle complex cases with expertise.
- India: India’s reputation for affordable, high-quality healthcare has made it a top destination for many surgeries, including VATS. The country has specialized thoracic centers and skilled surgeons who use modern techniques, making it ideal for medical tourists seeking both quality and affordability.
- Thailand: As a well-established hub for medical tourism, Thailand offers advanced thoracic surgery options in modern hospitals. Known for affordable pricing, high-quality care, and experienced surgeons, Thailand has become a go-to destination for VATS and other surgical procedures.
Risks & Considerations:
- Infection: Although minimally invasive, any surgery carries the risk of infection, particularly if postoperative care is insufficient.
- Bleeding: While VATS reduces blood loss compared to open surgery, there is still a risk of bleeding during or after the procedure, especially in complex surgeries.
- Prolonged Air Leak: This complication may occur when air leaks from the lung tissue, which could extend the hospital stay and delay recovery.
- Anesthesia Risks: General anesthesia has inherent risks, including reactions to medications or breathing difficulties, which patients should discuss with their healthcare team.
- Conversion to Open Surgery: In some cases, VATS may need to be converted to traditional open surgery if unforeseen complications arise, which increases the surgery duration and recovery time.
How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital:
Selecting the right doctor and hospital for VATS is essential for a successful outcome. Start by researching hospitals that specialize in thoracic surgery with a focus on minimally invasive techniques. Look for healthcare providers with accreditations from recognized international bodies, as this demonstrates a commitment to high standards and patient safety. Additionally, consider the hospital’s history of performing VATS procedures, as experience and specialized expertise can significantly impact success rates.
When choosing a doctor, prioritize board-certified thoracic surgeons with extensive experience in video-assisted thoracic surgery. It’s beneficial to review the surgeon's qualifications, patient testimonials, and any published research they may have contributed to in the field. Transparency, clear communication, and a comprehensive approach to patient care are essential factors in determining the right healthcare professional for this procedure.
To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote
Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?
The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.
What happens during egg retrieval?
When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.
What happens to the eggs?
In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle. Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.
How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?
The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.
Embryoscope©
Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.
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