Objective:To retrospectively compare the differences between Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and traditional open surgery(TOS) on lobectomy for non-small cell lung carcinoma. Methods:The patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma undergone lobectomy from June,2008 to March,2009 were devided to two groups:VATS group and TOS. The operation time,perioperative blood loss,time for chest drainage,postoperative pain,hospital stay and cost,and complications of two groups were analyzed. Results:The operation time,time for chest drainage and hospital stay in VATS group are similar to TOS group. Perioprative blood loss and postoperative pain in VATS group are less than those in TOS group significantly. The hospital cost in VATS group is higher significantly than that in TOS group. No death occurred in two groups. Conclusion:Lobectomy with VATS caused less wound pain,blood loss and postoperative complications. The patients with VATS recovered more rapidly. But the cost was much higher.