Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

The uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedure has been shown to be less invasive than traditional open thoracotomies, resulting in a faster postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stay. Minimally invasive thoracic surgeries, such as U-VATS, have also been shown to reduce postoperative pain and the risk of complications while maintaining equivalent surgical outcomes compared to open surgeries. In addition, the U-VATS procedure provides a cosmetic benefit in the form of a single, small scar.

Any invasive surgical procedure carries some inherent risks, such as bleeding and infection.  It is important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of U-VATS with a thoracic surgeon highly-skilled in U-VATS surgery at Neumark before making a treatment decision.

The cost of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the specific type of surgery being performed and the patient’s overall health. However, the total hospital costs for U-VATS surgery in Singapore may be lower than open resection, for example. U-VATS is often associated with fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay, which may offset some of the additional surgical costs. It is also important to note that most insurance providers typically cover the cost of U-VATS.

In Singapore, insurance providers will typically cover the cost of U-VATS, but always check with your provider to determine their coverage for this type of surgery (see insurance panel list).

Minimally-invasive alternatives to uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery include robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) or multi-port VATS. In cases where minimally invasive techniques are not suitable or possible, more traditional surgical approaches such as thoracotomy or sternotomy may be recommended.

The recovery time after U-VATS surgery may range from a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s overall health. It is important for patients to follow the instructions provided by their postoperative care team and to contact a healthcare provider if there are any concerns or questions about the recovery process.

Uniportal VATS involves a single incision and long, thin instruments with a camera, while robotic-assisted thoracic surgery uses a surgical robot controlled by a surgeon, equipped with instruments and a camera inserted through small incisions. Both techniques offer minimally-invasive surgery benefits such as smaller incisions and faster recovery compared to open surgery. The specific technique used depends on the patient’s needs and the condition being treated.