How much pain would one have after thoracoscopy?

Mild-mod pain: It would feel like a rib fracture. It's hard to take deep breaths initially but the pain would get better after 4-5 days.

Less than with open: Less pain than with thoracotomy. Most people who undergo thoracoscopy take pain medication for only 1-2 weeks after surgery.

Usually less than...: Usually less than open surgery or thoracotomy. Data has shown that the need for narcotics is less after video-assisted thoracic surgery or vats compared to open surgery.