ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of total thoracoscopy (VATS) lobectomy and the thoracotomy for the treatment of benign lung disease. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 70 patients with benign lung diseases in the First People's Hospital of Qujing between January 2012 and September 2013. According to the surgical way, the patients were divided into two groups including a total VATS group involved in 35 patients with 25 males and 10 females, aged 18 to 71 years, mean age of 41.3±6.4 years and a thoracotomy group involved in 35 patients with 26 males and 9 females, aged 19 to 72 years, mean age of 42.4±5.6 years. Then we compared the efficacy of the two groups. ResultsThere was no statistical difference (P > 0.05) in operative time and postoperative survival rate comparison. While in the total VATS group, the total thoracoscopic incision length, bleeding volume or pain time, postoperative day time of analgesia, thoracic drainage volume, postoperative drainage tube pulling time and hospitalization time were all lower than those in the thoracotomy group with statistical differeces (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe thoracoscopic lobectomy for treatment of benign pulmonary lesions is superior to the conventional thoracotomy with much less bleeding and pain, more faster postoperative recovery and less impact on the patient's body. It's suitable for clinical application in normal hospital.