ObjectiveTo evaluated the effect of the video-assisted thoracoscope surgery(VATS) for non-small cell lung cancer. MethodsWe searched EMbase, PubMed, OVID, Springer Link, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CBMdisc, and VIP to collect randomized controlled trials(RCTs) of VATS versus thoracotomy for non-small cell lung cancer. Each database was searched from establishment to October 2014. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the included studies and extracted relevant data, using RevMan5.3 meta-analysis software. ResultsWe finally identified 10 RCTs involving 1 529 patients. There were 453 patients in the VATS group and 1 076 patients in the thoracotomy group. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical difference in the number of lymph node dissection(P=0.41), operation time(P=0.14), operation bleeding volume(P=0.14), chest tube placement time(P=0.53), operation mortality(P=0.72), and the overall survival rate(P=0.39). While there were statistical differences in thoracic drainage(P=0.04), post-operation hospital stay(P=0.01), and postoperative complications(P=0.0001). ConclusionVATS is safe and effective in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.