[VATS - technique and indications].

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has revolutionized the practice of thoracic surgeons and improved patient experiences and outcomes worldwide. The VATS approach has matured over the past decades and now accounts for approximately 50 % of all operations in specialized thoracic surgery units. The VATS procedure is less invasive and therefore allows a faster recovery of patients. Over the last 20 years VATS has developed into a safe and effective technique for the diagnostics and therapy of many thoracic diseases. With increasing experience thoracic surgeons can carry out more advanced and technically challenging interventions. Nowadays, VATS is the superior technique in many cases of thoracotomy.