Video-assisted thoracic surgery for diagnosis of the solitary lung nodule.

The finding of a solitary pulmonary nodule is a frequent clinical problem. This article outlines the current recommendation for diagnostic management. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has emerged as an excellent diagnostic tool that can reduce the incidence of thoracotomy for benign nodules while allowing expeditious treatment of early malignancies. The surgical techniques of VATS are discussed.