[Video-assisted thoracic surgery-Indications, importance and technique].

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a safe and effective surgical procedure. Completely minimally invasive operations must be distinguished from hybrid procedures. The VATS can be used for diagnostic and treatment purposes for all oncological and non-oncological diseases of the thoracic organs. The VATS is the preferred surgical procedure for a large number of diseases. Nevertheless, the procedure-specific limitations of VATS must be taken into account in individual cases. In the hands of experienced surgeons complex thoracic surgical procedures can be safely performed. In order to benefit from the advantages of this minimally invasive surgical procedure, integration into a fast-track concept is mandatory.