Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery and Conversion to Open-Chest the Correct Way

Since the beginning of use of video-assisted techniques for performance of thoracic surgical procedures more than two decades ago, the advances have been undeniable. Along that time, conversion of the initially planned video-assisted procedure to an open-chest technique because of intraoperative difficulties and/or accidents, was reasonable practiced and patients advised of that possibility beforehand. Along the same period, although numerous published studies can be find, still remain under discussion, two important areas worth to consider: 1. If in practice, similar or even better results are generally obtained. 2. If new, proved and recommended developments are in fact, followed.

In this chapter, reasons for that conversion attitude of the past are reviewed in light of the advances achieved and considerations are made about quality of video-assisted procedures. Particularly on how well advances, recommendations and guidelines are followed, specially regarding lung cancer treatment.