Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy and Thoracotomy

Abstract Pain management and chest physiotherapy are critical components of postoperative care following thoracic surgery. Effective management of acute pain is critical to ensure good pulmonary effort and function in an endeavor to decrease postoperative complications. Perioperative planning with discussions about surgical and anesthetic technique will have a significant impact on the postoperative course. Video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) refers to the use of minimally invasive equipment to access thoracic structures during surgery through a series of small incisions. By contrast, an open thoracotomy is the surgical approach requiring a large incision and the spreading of the ribs to gain access to the thorax. A multimodal approach to analgesia, using a combination of systemic analgesia and regional analgesia procedures, has been used with success for pain management after thoracic surgery.