A:  In most patients, a VATS lung resection will have minimal impact on their respiratory breathing. Patients with severe lung disease such as emphysema, compromised lung function, or breathing difficulties are assessed with preoperative pulmonary function tests, but many have been treated successfully. One of the many advantages of VATS is the reduced injury to the chest wall muscles used in respiration. Some of our patients have returned to physically challenging activities such as cycling and marathon running following a VATS lobectomy.