Precision in Diagnosis, Excellence in Treatment: The Dual Impact of VATS in Blunt Thoracic Trauma

Dr. Manik C. Gedam, Dr. Medha Sainanee, Dr. Leena Ingole

Abstract: Background: Blunt thoracic trauma is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, commonly resulting in rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and lung contusions. Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) has emerged as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for managing these injuries. VATS offers enhanced visualization, enabling early detection of complications missed by imaging, and reduces morbidity and mortality through timely intervention. Methods: This prospective, hospital-based study was conducted at IGGMCH, Nagpur, from May 2022 to November 2024. A total of 30 patients with blunt thoracic trauma were screened, with 20 meeting the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomized into two groups: those treated with VATS and those undergoing a combination of VATS and open thoracotomy. Post-operative outcomes, including pain (Visual Analog Scale), hospital stay, and complications, were analyzed. Results: VATS identified diaphragmatic tears and occult lung lacerations in 20% of patients that were missed by radiological imaging. The VATS group had a shorter mean operative time (210 ± 90 minutes), less intraoperative blood loss (600 ± 150 mL), and significantly better post-operative outcomes, including shorter hospital stays. (12 ± 4 days) and lower pain scores (VAS: 5 ± 1.5), compared to the VATS + open thoracotomy group. Conclusion: VATS proves to be an invaluable tool for both diagnosing and treating blunt thoracic trauma. By facilitating early detection and intervention, VATS reduces morbidity and accelerates recovery, making it the preferred approach in stable patients.

Keywords: Blunt thoracic trauma, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, lung contusions, diagnostic tool, therapeutic intervention, morbidity, mortality, diaphragmatic tears, occult lung lacerations, prospective study, operative outcomes, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), hospital stay, complications, randomized trial, open thoracotomy, early detection

How to Cite?: Dr. Manik C. Gedam, Dr. Medha Sainanee, Dr. Leena Ingole, "Precision in Diagnosis, Excellence in Treatment: The Dual Impact of VATS in Blunt Thoracic Trauma", Volume 14 Issue 12, December 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 708-713, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR251209212502, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR251209212502