：Objective To assess the value of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) by analysing 56 cases treated by VATS. Methods With VATS

28 cases were bleb resection for spontaneous pneumothorax

4 were wedge resection of lung and 24 were VATS lobectomy. Results Comparing with the ordinary thoracic operation

after VATS operation

the patients had less fluid of chest drainage

and felt less pain

and also had shorter time in hospital. The incision was shorter and more beautiful. The quality of life of the patients was improved. Also the VATS lobectomy for lung cancer appeared to be a safe operation

with the same survival as expected for a lobectomy done by thoracotomy . Conclution The author insisted that the VATS as an assisted method

should be widely used in thoracic surgery.