SATISH HANDA
A team of doctors led by Dr Vijay Jagad have introduced new technique Video Assiated Thoracocopic have introduced a new technique – Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) to treat lung cancer, which is a unique and first of its kind procedure to be performed in North in which a small video camera is introduced into the patient’s chest via a 5-6 cm small incision between the ribs. The tumor is then removed through videos transmitted through a thoracoscope onto a video monitor guiding the surgeon in performing procedure.
Dr Vijay said, the patient diagnosed with tumor of lung If left un-diagnosed and untreated, then it could spread to brain, liver and bones and harm immensely. After the surgery went on successfully the patient discharged on fifth post-operative day.
He added that the new VATS technique has multiple advantages over open procedure. It is minimally invasive which means it is less painful, minimal loss of blood and swifter recovery. The technique also shows minimal effect on patient’s immune status which is a definite improvement over open surgery. The chances of post-operative infectious complications are lesser. He sad, VATS causes least damage to the ribs and intercostal nerves and hence post-operative lung function is maintained and it is beneficial for those who need post-operative chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Dr Jagad continued that VATS can be performed for various lung pathologies like surgical removal of a lobe of an organ and surgical removal of a lung or part of a lung for lung cancer, drainage thick-walled pus-filled cavity is present within the pleural cavity, lung reduction surgery for patients of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, He said, lung cancer remains most common cause of cancer related death among men. and lung cancer is commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage where the patient presents with cough with discharge matter from throat/lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting or shortness of breath. Sometimes, the patient presents in a very advanced stage of the disease, where it has spread to the bones and brain. Screening is the most effective method to detect lung cancer at early stage. Screening for lung cancer can be performed by low dose CT scan of chest, Dr Jagad added.
