The Vats Lobectomy Book: A Safe and Simple Method of Performing Minimally Invasive Lobectomy for Lung Cancer

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) was the first cardiothoracic application of a minimally invasive surgical technique. In the right patient, the VATS lobectomy approach has meaningful advantages. VATS can offer better visualization, shorter operative times, less pain from smaller incisions, and a reduced length of stay. Beyond that, the technique preserves tactile feedback and works with a large variety of instruments--all at a lower cost than robotic surgery. Despite this fact, there are limited materials available to teach VATS Surgery. The few resources that do teach lobectomy often lose the forest in the trees (or the PA in the parenchyma). Key anatomy is obscured by diagrams with overwhelming detail, or live operative pictures that are often difficult to identify.

The VATS Lobectomy Book aims to establish a standardized approach to lobectomy, utilizing a picture-based approach that shows the anatomy as it normally lies and how it changes after each step in the procedure. The images in the book are oversimplified by design; patients in the operating room will often look different from what is drawn, but the relationships will be the same. By understanding these relationships, surgeons will be able to operate with confidence even when the anatomy may not be readily visible. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand minimally invasive lobectomy through a clear, simplified approach.

Brian Housman, M.D., F.A.C.S., is an Assistant Professor in Thoracic Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He trained in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital after his Residency in General Surgery at New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist.

He specializes in minimally invasive and open surgery of the Lung, Esophagus, Mediastinum, and Foregut. He is published in Lung Cancer, Pleural Disease, Esophageal Cancer, Thoracic Surgical Techniques, and supporting Mental and Emotional Health in Patients with Thoracic Disease.

Raja Flores, M.D., is a world-renowned thoracic surgeon recognized for his technical skill and lifelong work on lung and esophageal cancer, and mesothelioma.

He is responsible for more than 300 publications including some of the earliest works describing techniques in VATS and Robotic Lobectomy. He currently has one of the largest VATS Lobectomy practices in the United States.

He was educated at New York University, Einstein, Columbia University, and Harvard University. Dr. Flores currently serves as the Steven and Ann Ames Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and is the system chair of thoracic surgery at Mount Sinai Health System.