Introduction. The introduction of minimally invasive surgical techniques into thoracic surgery is associated with changes in the procedures
observed by the nursing staff in the care of thoracic surgery patients.
Aim of the study. To present video- assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) as a modern treatment method widely used in thoracic surgery and the
specificity of the care of VATS patients, based on own experience.
Material and methods. The paper is an overview of the literature on the subject and it draws on own material. The study was conducted at
the Department Thoracic Surgery Clinic of the University Clinic Center in Gdansk.
Results and conclusions. An analysis of the presented material shows that the modern surgical techniques gaining an increasingly wider
application in thoracic surgery additionally require a modern approach to the nursing care of the patient. This requires the continual education
of nursing teams and intensification of nursing activities in the care of the patient and their family.
Nursing Topics 2013; 21 (1): 63–71