Complete versus assisted thoracoscopic approach: a prospective randomized trial comparing a variety of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy techniques

A New Index for the Quantitative Evaluation of Surgical Invasiveness Based on Perioperative Patients' Behavior Patterns: Machine Learning Approach Using Triaxial Acceleration

BACKGROUND

The minimally invasive nature of thoracoscopic surgery is well recognized; however, the absence of a reliable evaluation method remains challenging. We hypothesized that the postoperative recovery speed is closely linked to surgical invasiveness, where recovery signifies the patient's behavior transition back to their preoperative state during the perioperative period.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine whether machine learning using triaxial acceleration data can effectively capture perioperative behavior changes and establish a quantitative index for quantifying variations in surgical invasiveness.

METHODS

We trained 7 distinct machine learning models using a publicly available human acceleration data set as supervised data. The 3 top-performing models were selected to predict patient actions, as determined by the Matthews correlation coefficient scores. Two patients who underwent different levels of invasive thoracoscopic surgery were selected as participants. Acceleration data were collected via chest sensors for 8 hours during the preoperative and postoperative hospitalization days. These data were categorized into 4 actions (walking, standing, sitting, and lying down) using the selected models. The actions predicted by the model with intermediate results were adopted as the actions of the participants. The daily appearance probability was calculated for each action. The 2 differences between 2 appearance probabilities (sitting vs standing and lying down vs walking) were calculated using 2 coordinates on the x- and y-axes. A 2D vector composed of coordinate values was defined as the index of behavior pattern (iBP) for the day. All daily iBPs were graphed, and the enclosed area and distance between points were calculated and compared between participants to assess the relationship between changes in the indices and invasiveness.

RESULTS

Patients 1 and 2 underwent lung lobectomy and incisional tumor biopsy, respectively. The selected predictive model was a light-gradient boosting model (mean Matthews correlation coefficient 0.98, SD 0.0027; accuracy: 0.98). The acceleration data yielded 548,466 points for patient 1 and 466,407 points for patient 2. The iBPs of patient 1 were [(0.32, 0.19), (-0.098, 0.46), (-0.15, 0.13), (-0.049, 0.22)] and those of patient 2 were [(0.55, 0.30), (0.77, 0.21), (0.60, 0.25), (0.61, 0.31)]. The enclosed areas were 0.077 and 0.0036 for patients 1 and 2, respectively. Notably, the distances for patient 1 were greater than those for patient 2 ({0.44, 0.46, 0.37, 0.26} vs {0.23, 0.0065, 0.059}; P=.03 [Mann-Whitney U test]).

CONCLUSIONS

The selected machine learning model effectively predicted the actions of the surgical patients with high accuracy. The temporal distribution of action times revealed changes in behavior patterns during the perioperative phase. The proposed index may facilitate the recognition and visualization of perioperative changes in patients and differences in surgical invasiveness.

Comparison of Postoperative Quality of Life and Pain with and without a Metal Rib Spreader in Patients Undergoing Lobectomy through Axillary Mini-Thoracotomy for Stage I Lung Cancer

Purpose: To evaluate postoperative patient-reported quality of life (QOL) and pain with and without a metal rib spreader (MRS) in patients with stage I lung cancer who underwent lobectomy through axillary mini-thoracotomy (AMT).

Methods: This single-institution prospective observational study enrolled patients between January 2015 and April 2018. Their QOL and pain were evaluated using the EQ-5D and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire 30 items (QLQ-C30). The EQ-5D was completed preoperatively (Pre) and on days 1/3/5/7 (D1/3/5/7), at 1 month (M1), and at 1 year postoperatively (Y1). The EORTC QLQ-C30 was completed at Pre, M1, and Y1.

Results: The data of 140 patients were analyzed (video-assisted without MRS: VA/noMRS: 67, AMT with MRS: AMT/MRS: 73). Although the AMT/MRS group had more preoperative comorbidities, longer operative times, and more blood loss than the VA/noMRS group, the EQ-5D visual analog scale scores were not significantly different at any assessment point (Pre/D1/D3/D5/D7/M1/Y1) (VA/noMRS: 82/48/60/67/73/77/85, AMT/MRS: 80/46/60/66/73/76/85). Postoperative pain in the EQ-5D descriptive system and the EORTC QLQ-C30 was comparable between the groups.

Conclusion: VA/noMRS and AMT/MRS showed similar postoperative QOL and pain scores, indicating that MRS negligibly impacts the postoperative QOL and pain.

Continuous erector spinae plane block versus thoracic epidural analgesia in video-assisted thoracic surgery: a study protocol for a prospective randomized open label non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Thoracic epidural analgesia is considered the gold standard for pain relief in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This neuraxial technique blocks pain sensation by injecting a local anesthetic agent in the epidural space near the spinal cord to block spinal nerve roots. Recently, the erector spinae plane block has been introduced as a practical alternative to the thoracic epidural. This interfascial regional anesthesia technique interrupts pain sensation by injecting a local anesthetic agent in between the muscular layers of the thoracic wall. Several case series and three RCTs described it as an effective pain management technique in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (Scimia et al., Reg Anesth Pain Med 42:537, 2017; Adhikary et al., Indian J Anaesth 62:75-8, 2018; Kim, A randomized controlled trial comparing continuous erector spinae plane block with thoracic epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management in video-assisted thoracic surgery, n.d.; Yao et al., J Clin Anesth 63:109783, 2020; Ciftci et al., J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 34:444-9, 2020). The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that a continuous erector spinae plane block incorporated into an opioid-based systemic multimodal analgesia regimen is non-inferior in terms of the quality of postoperative recovery compared to continuous thoracic epidural local anesthetic-opioid analgesia in patients undergoing elective unilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

METHODS

This is a prospective randomized open label non-inferiority trial. A total of 90 adult patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery will be randomized 1:1 to receive pain treatment with either (1) continuous erector spinae plane block plus intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with piritramide (study group) or (2) continuous thoracic epidural analgesia with a local anesthetic-opioid infusate (control group). All patients will receive additional systemic multimodal analgesia with paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The primary endpoint is the quality of recovery as measured by the Quality of Recovery-15 score. Secondary endpoints are postoperative pain as Numerical Rating Score scores, length of hospital stay, failure of analgesic technique, postoperative morphine-equivalent consumption, itching, nausea and vomiting, total operative time, complications related to surgery, perioperative hypotension, complications related to pain treatment, duration of bladder catheterization, and time of first assisted mobilization > 20 m and of mobilization to sitting in a chair.

DISCUSSION

This randomized controlled trial aims to confirm whether continuous erector spinae plane block plus patient-controlled opioid analgesia can equal the analgesic effect of a thoracic epidural local anesthetic-opioid infusion in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NL6433 . Registered on 1 March 2018. This trial was prospectively registered.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery as the gold standard for lung cancer surgery

Surgical resection remains the only effective means of cure in the vast majority of patients with early-stage lung cancer. It can be performed via a traditional open approach (particularly thoracotomy) or a minimally invasive approach. VATS is 'keyhole' surgery in the chest, and was first used for lung cancer resection in the early 1990s. Since then, a large volume of evolving clinical evidence has confirmed that VATS lung cancer resection offered proven safety and feasibility, better patient-reported post-operative outcomes, less surgical trauma as quantified by objective outcome measures and equivalent or better survival than open surgery. This has firmly established VATS as the surgical approach of choice for early-stage lung cancer today. Although impressive new non-surgical lung cancer therapies have emerged in recent years, VATS is also being constantly rejuvenated by the development of 'next generation' VATS techniques, the refinement of VATS sublobar resection for selected patients, the utilization of bespoke post-operative recovery programmes for VATS and the synthesis of VATS into multi-modality lung cancer therapy. There is little doubt that VATS will remain as the gold standard for lung cancer surgery for the foreseeable future.

Complete Uniportal Thoracoscopic Anatomic Lung Resection With Systematic Mediastinal Lymphadenectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Personal Experience of 326 Cases

BACKGROUND

With its growing popularity and potential outcome, complete uniportal thoracoscopic (CUT) surgery has been used in the treatment of thoracic diseases. This study aimed to summarize a personal experience of CUT anatomic lung resection with systematic mediastinal lymphadenectomy (CUT-ALR-SML) for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to evaluate the feasibility and safety of CUT-ALR-SML in our institute.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 326 patients with NSCLC were chosen to undergo CUT-ALR-SML in our institute from August 2013 to July 2018. Data such as clinicopathologic characteristics and perioperative outcomes were reviewed in this article.

RESULTS

For the 326 cases of ALR, the specific procedures and the corresponding number of cases were as follows: segmentectomy, 90; lobectomy, 218; sleeve lobectomy, 9; ipsilateral lobe combined with segment resected synchronously (i-L+S), 6; and pneumonectomy, 3. A total of 31 cases required conversion to open surgery, and 4 cases were converted to multiportal thoracoscopic surgery. All patients underwent SML. The average mediastinal lymph node stations and mediastinal lymph nodes dissected under CUT-ALR-SML were 3.3±1.4 and 9.6±8.4, respectively. Approximately 99.7% of the patients acquired free resection margins. A total of 42 (12.9%) patients suffered from postoperative complications, and 1 patient died of pneumonia during the perioperative period.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete uniportal ALR, particularly for segmentectomy and lobectomy is safe and feasible with low complication rates and excellent free resection margin rates. SML during complete uniportal thoracoscopic surgery adequately assesses the N2 lymph node. However, further studies need to be conducted to evaluate the role of CUT-ALR-SML in the treatment of NSCLC.

Robotic-Assisted Lung Resection for Malignant Disease

Objective

There have been few reports of the use of robotic surgery to resect lung malignancies. Feasibility and safety of robotic lung resection for malignant lung lesions will be assessed by performing a retrospective analysis.

Methods

Between September 2004 and November 2006, 21 patients (11 male and 10 female patients) underwent robotic lung resection. Twenty resections were performed for primary nonsmall cell lung cancer and two for metastatic lesions. One patient had bilateral resections for two primary tumors. Fourteen lobectomies, five segementectomies, one wedge resection, and two bilobectomies were performed. Seventy-two percent of operative procedures included mediastinoscopy and/or bronchoscopy at the time of resection.

Results

Thirty-day mortality and conversion rate was 0%. The median operating room time and estimated blood loss was 3.6 hours and 100 mL, respectively. The median intensive care unit and total length of hospital stays were 2 and 4 days, respectively. Chest tubes were removed after a median of 2.0 days. The complication rate was 27%, which included atrial fibrillation, need for postoperative bronchoscopy, and pneumonia. The median tumor size and number of lymph nodes harvested was 2.3 cm and 16, respectively. All resection margins were negative. Median follow-up time was 9.8 months, with no local recurrences at this time.

Conclusion

Robotic lung resection appears safe and feasible and allows for significant lymph node retrieval, offers short hospital stays and low morbidity for patients undergoing surgical resection of lung malignancies. Future studies are needed to define the role of robotic surgery in lung cancer treatment.

Impact of the introduction of thoracoscopic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis

Background

The present study evaluated the impact of the introduction of thoracoscopic lung lobectomy (TL) for non-small cell lung cancer at our institution.

Methods

This study retrospectively compared surgical and oncological outcomes in the period before and after the introduction of TL for non-small cell lung cancer. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed with respect to baseline patient variables and tumor characteristics.

Results

Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent lung lobectomy in the period before (BI group, n=261) and after (AI group, n=261) the introduction of TL. The proportion of TLs at our institution increased from 1.3% in the BI group to 93% in the AI group. The AI group experienced a longer duration of surgery, lesser intraoperative blood loss, and a significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (POHS). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups. The median follow-up period was 50 months in both groups. No significant differences were observed between the BI and AI groups with respect to 5-year overall survival (OS) (76.1% and 71.7%, respectively; P=0.1973) and disease-free survival (DFS) (67.6% and 66.1%, respectively; P=0.4071). On multivariate analysis, pathological N1-2 status was an independent predictor of survival. AI group and TL showed no independent association with survival.

Conclusions

The introduction of TL represented a positive change at our institution owing to decreased invasiveness and oncological equivalence of the surgical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer.

Thoracoscopic Surgery Versus Thoracotomy for Lung Cancer: Short-Term Outcomes of a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Safety and short-term efficacy of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for early-stage non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) has been demonstrated by observational studies previously. However, these outcomes have never been verified by a large randomized controlled trial (RCT). The aim of our RCT was to confirm that VATS is not inferior or even superior to open operation for early-stage NSCLC in terms of short-term and oncologic efficacy.

METHODS

The trial was undertaken at five tertiary hospitals. Patients aged between 18 and 75 years with clinically early-stage NSCLC were randomly assigned to the VATS and axillary thoracotomy groups. Lobectomy plus mediastinal lymph node dissection was standard surgical intervention. Because patients continue to be followed up for oncologic outcome, the short-term perioperative outcomes would be reported here.

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2014, 508 patients were recruited and 425 were eligible for analyses (215 VATS and 210 axillary thoracotomy). Eight VATS procedures were converted to open operation intraoperatively (3.72%). Median operation time with VATS was significantly less than axillary thoracotomy (150 versus 166 minutes, p = 0.009). In addition, VATS was associated with less intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.001). There was no difference for postoperative pleural drainage, length of hospitalization, and rates of morbidity and mortality. Cancer residual margins were found in 1 patient with VATS and 5 with axillary thoracotomy (p = 0.128). The yield of lymph nodes from either surgical approach was similar (p = 0.389).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that VATS lobectomy is safe and reliable to treat NSCLCs, and it may be superior to axillary thoracotomy for operation time and intraoperative blood loss. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01102517.

Are There Contraindications for Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery?

Allowing oneself to indulge in illusory superiority when it comes to uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) can harm patients and the specialty. It is important for every VATS surgeon to remain vigilant. One must be clear about the absolute and relative contraindications for VATS: those conditions that should deter from even attempting a uniportal approach. Once the operation is started, one must also bear in mind those situations that should prompt one to convert. Only by first safeguarding patients in this way can the aspiring uniportal VATS surgeon go on to safely master the approach and explore its benefits.

Medicoeconomic analysis of lobectomy using thoracoscopy versus thoracotomy for lung cancer: a study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (Lungsco01)

INTRODUCTION

In the last decade, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has had a major effect on thoracic surgery. Retrospective series have reported benefits of VATS when compared with open thoracotomy in terms of postoperative pain, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. However, no large randomised control trial has been conducted to assess the reality of the potential benefits of VATS lobectomy or its medicoeconomic impact.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The French National Institute of Health funded Lungsco01 to determine whether VATS for lobectomy is superior to open thoracotomy for the treatment of NSCLC in terms of economic cost to society. This trial will also include an analysis of postoperative outcomes, the length of hospital stay, the quality of life, long-term survival and locoregional recurrence. The study design is a two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial comparing VATS lobectomy with lobectomy using thoracotomy for the treatment of NSCLC. Patients will be eligible if they have proven or suspected lung cancer which could be treated by lobectomy. Patients will be randomised via an independent service. All patients will be monitored according to standard thoracic surgical practices. All patients will be evaluated at day 1, day 30, month 3, month 6, month 12 and then every year for 2 years thereafter. The recruitment target is 600 patients.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has been approved by the French National Research Ethics Committee (CPP Est I: 09/06/2015) and the French Medicines Agency (09/06/2015). Results will be presented at national and international meetings and conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02502318.

New Small-Diameter Forceps for Thoracoscopic Surgery: Technical Adaptations and Initial Experiences

In this report, we describe the use of new small-diameter forceps (Endo Relief forceps) for port-reduced thoracoscopic surgery. Forceps were designed with end that were the same size and shape as conventional 5-mm forceps, except that the diameter of the shaft was decreased to 2.4 mm. Endo Relief forceps were used for thoracoscopic surgery in 18 patients. We retrospectively compared the frequency of grasping error between conventional small-diameter forceps and Endo Relief group. The mean surgical time was 57.5 minutes (range, 45-75 minutes). There were no complications, no recurrences of pneumothorax and lung cancer, and no deaths after surgery. There were no intraoperative complications and no need for a second surgery to open additional ports. The frequency of grasping error was significantly lower in the Endo Relief group compared to the conventional small-diameter forceps group (0.17 ± 0.23 vs 1.33 ± 0.22; P = 0.022). Our experience thus far indicates that this technique has cosmetic benefit and is as effective as the classic 3-port technique for experienced thoracoscopic surgeons. Endo Relief forceps has a safety comparing conventional small-diameter forceps.

Reduced Port Thoracoscopic Surgery for Mediastinal and Pleural Disease: Experiences in a Single Institution

The purpose of this study was to present our current experience with reduced port thoracoscopic surgery (RPTS) for the treatment of mediastinal and pleural disease and thereafter discuss its indications and technical challenges. A total of 11 patients underwent surgery by the RPTS approach for the following conditions: thymoma (n = 2), bronchogenic cyst (n = 2), metastatic pleural tumor, thymic cyst, solitary fibrous tumor, pulmonary sequestration, pericardial cyst, neurinoma, and malignant lymphoma (n = 1). An Endo Relief forceps (Hope Denshi Co, Ltd, Chiba, Japan) was used for three of the surgical procedures. The elements of the data set consisted of gender, age, duration of operation, drain placement, hospital stay, mass location, and mass size. The median surgical time was 45 min (range, 40-78 min). There were no intraoperative complications and no need for a second surgery to open additional ports. The duration until chest tube removal was 1 day for all the cases. The median hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3-6 days). The median mass size was 2.2 cm (range, 1.2-4.2 cm). The median length of skin incision was 2.0 cm (range, 2.0-3.5 cm). In conclusion, RPTS for mediastinal and pleural disease may be a possible alternative approach to conventional multiportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Although it is technically plausible and feasible for selected cases, the issues of patient acceptability and cosmetic and oncological results remain to be determined in the future with randomized-controlled trials and long-term follow-up.

Reasons not to perform uniportal VATS lobectomy

The uniportal video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach to lung lobectomy has generated phenomenal interest in recent years. It promises to offer patients less morbidity and faster recovery, even when compared to conventional multiportal VATS. However, critics of the uniportal VATS approach may raise concerns about whether this most minimally invasive surgical approach for lung surgery may compromise safety and treatment efficacy. This debate has great potential importance not only in determining how patients are operated on, but in understanding how 'success' is gauged in major pulmonary surgery. This article explores both sides of this debate, drawing on the experience of how clinical research in multiportal VATS evolved over the years. Systematic generation of clinical evidence with progressively increasing sophistication is required to fairly evaluate the uniportal VATS approach. A review of the current literature suggests that there remain many large gaps in the evidence surrounding uniportal VATS. Hence, at the present time, the reasons voiced by critics as to why uniportal VATS should not be performed should not be lightly dismissed. Instead, it behoves surgeons on both sides of the debate to continue to generate good clinical evidence to resolve it.

[Video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic lung resection: experience of 246 operations]

AIM

To present one of the largest materials of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) anatomic lung resections in Russia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

It is a retrospective analysis of treatment of 246 patients who underwent VATS anatomic lung resection for the period from 2010 to 2014 at the Center for Thoracic Surgery of St. Petersburg Clinical Hospital №122. One surgical team has operated 125 men and 121 women aged from 20 to 85 years (58.8±13.4 years). There were 216 (87.8%) lobectomies, 4 (1.6%) bilobectomies, 9 (3.7%) pneumonectomies, 10 (4.1%) segmentectomies and 7 (2.8%) trisegmentectomies. Upper right-side lobectomy was the most frequent in this group (87 (40.3%)). Most of operations was performed via 2 approaches (119 patients). Average length of the longest incision was 4.3±0.93 cm (range 2-6 cm). All patients were examined according to a single plan. FEV1 less than 70% was observed in 26% of patients; comorbidity index was 5 scores or more in 24% of cases; 23.2% of patients were older than 70 years.

RESULTS

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was diagnosed in 168 patients (68.3%), pulmonary tuberculosis - in 27 (11%), chronic suppurative lung disease - in 27 (11%) cases. Furthermore there were 9 cases of pulmonary metastases, 11 cases of carcinoid, 1 - MALT-lymphoma, 1 - leiomyoma, 2 - small cell lung cancer, as well as one case of IgG-associated pseudotumor. Among 168 cases of NSCLC operations were performed in 87 (51.8%) cases for cancer stage I, in 46 (27.3%) patients for stage II, in 27 patients for stage III (including 16 cases of stage IIIA and 11 cases of stage IIIB). 8 patients (4.7%) with lung cancer stage IV have been operated in radical surgery for solitary metastasis. Mean duration of surgery was 202.1±58.2 minutes (range 100-380). On the average 12.8±5.6 (range 9-32) mediastinal lymph nodes were excised during lymph node dissection in cancer patients. Mean number of nodes groups was 4.1±1.1. In 11 (4.5%) patients conversion to open surgery was made due to intraoperative bleeding (3 cases) and technical difficulties (8 cases). Mean duration of postoperative pleural drainage and hospital-stay were 5.1±4.3 (median - 3 days) and 7.9±4.7 days (median - 6 days) respectively. Complications which were not associated with perioperative deaths were observed in 66 patients (26.8%). Prolonged air vent was the most common complication.

CONCLUSION

VATS anatomical lung resections are safe and effective in most of pulmonary surgical diseases. Such interventions may be recommended for wider introduction at the Thoracic Departments of Russia because of small number of complications and rapid rehabilitation. Bleeding or its risk associated with fibrotic changes in pulmonary root are the most frequent causes of conversion to open access.

[Analysis of single-operation-hole thoracoscopic lobectomy in 113 clinical cases]

背景与目的

胸腔镜肺叶切除术治疗肺癌已经被广泛接受，本研究探讨单操作孔全腔镜下非小细胞肺癌根治术的可行性。

方法

回顾性研究分析本院2010年10月至2013年10月共为113例非小细胞肺癌患者施行单操作孔全腔镜肺癌根治术。胸腔镜观察孔取腋中线后侧第8肋间，切口约1.5 cm，操作孔取腋前线第4或5肋间，切口长约2 cm-4 cm，经单一操作孔完成胸腔内手术操作。

结果

全组患者手术顺利，无围手术期死亡，其中5例患者因术中大出血行操作孔撑开；平均手术时间（178.24±31.37）min，平均术中失血（213.56±62.38）mL，术中清扫淋巴结5枚-22枚。3例患者因术后并发症再次行胸腔镜下手术，其中2例为迟发性出血，1例为乳糜胸。全组患者术后病理均证实肺癌诊断，术后平均住院时间（8.17±2.93）d。术后患者均顺利恢复，随访2个月-38个月仅5例出现复发或转移。

结论

单操作孔全腔镜肺癌根治术安全可行，进一步降低了创伤，可以作为早中期非小细胞肺癌的一种常规手术方式。

Comparative effectiveness issues in lung cancer

Lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths than breast, prostate, colorectal and pancreatic cancer combined. With an aging population, greater intensity of cancer care, and the need for care of the growing number of cancer survivors, comparative effectiveness research opportunities will continue to emerge for this disease. In this chapter, we focus on CER opportunities in lung cancer surgery from the vantage point of those factors directly influenced by the surgeon, patient and the healthcare system.

Thoracoscopic lobectomy through a single incision

Over the past two decades, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has revolutionized the way thoracic surgeons diagnose and treat lung diseases. The major advance in VATS procedures is related to the major pulmonary resections. The optimal VATS technique for lobectomy in lung cancer has not been well defined yet. Most of the authors describe the VATS approach to lobectomy via three to four incisions, but the surgery can be performed by only one incision with similar outcomes. This single incision is the same as we normally use for VATS lobectomies performed by double- or triple-port technique, with no rib spreading. As our experience with VATS lobectomy has grown, we have gradually improved the technique for a less-invasive approach. Consequently, the greater the experience we gained, the more complex the cases we performed were, thus expanding the indications for single-incision thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Long-term outcomes after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy versus lobectomy via open thoracotomy for clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is a standard treatment for lung cancer. This study retrospectively compared long-term outcomes after VATS lobectomy versus lobectomy via open thoracotomy for clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

From July 2002 to June 2012, 160 patients were diagnosed with clinical stage IA NSCLC and underwent lobectomy. Of these, 114 underwent VATS lobectomy and 46 underwent lobectomy via open thoracotomy.

Results

The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 88.0% in the VATS group and 77.1% in the thoracotomy group for clinical stage IA NSCLC (p = 0.1504), and 91.5% in the VATS group and 93.8% in the thoracotomy group for pathological stage IA NSCLC (p = 0.2662). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 94.1% in the VATS group and 81.8% in the thoracotomy group for clinical stage IA NSCLC (p = 0.0268), and 94.8% in the VATS group and 96.2% in the thoracotomy group for pathological stage IA NSCLC (p = 0.5545). The rate of accurate preoperative staging was 71.9% in the VATS group and 56.5% in the thoracotomy group (p = 0.2611). Inconsistencies between the clinical and pathological stages were mainly related to tumor size, nodal status, and pleural invasion. Local recurrence occurred for one lesion in the VATS group and six lesions (five patients) in the thoracotomy group (p = 0.0495).

Conclusions

The DFS and OS were not inferior after VATS compared with thoracotomy. Local control was significantly better after VATS than after thoracotomy. Preoperative staging lacked sufficient accuracy.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery in lung cancer resection: a meta-analysis and systematic review of controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

: This meta-analysis sought to determine whether video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) improves clinical and resource outcomes compared with thoracotomy (OPEN) in adults undergoing lobectomy for nonsmall cell lung cancer.

METHODS

: A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify all randomized (RCT) and nonrandomized (non-RCT) controlled trials comparing VATS with OPEN thoracotomy available up to April 2007. The primary outcome was survival. Secondary outcomes included any other reported clinical outcome and resource utilization. Odds ratios (OR), weighted mean differences (WMD), or standardized mean differences (SMD), and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were analyzed as appropriate.

RESULTS

: Baseline prognosis was more favorable for VATS (more females, smaller tumor size, less advanced stage, histology associated with peripheral location and with more indolent disease) than for OPEN in non-RCTs, but not RCT. Postoperative complications were significantly reduced in the VATS group compared with OPEN surgery when both RCT and non-RCT were considered in aggregate (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.32-0.70). Although overall blood loss was significantly reduced with VATS compared with OPEN (-80 mL, 95% CI -110 to -50 mL), the incidence of excessive blood loss (generally defined as >500 mL) and incidence of re-exploration for bleeding was not significantly reduced. Pain measured via visual analog scales (10-point VAS) was significantly reduced by <1 point on day 1, by >2 points at 1 week, and by <1 point at week 2 to 4. Similarly, analgesia requirements were significantly reduced in the VATS group. Postoperative vital capacity was significantly improved (WMD 20, 95% CI 15-25), and at 1 year was significantly greater for VATS versus OPEN surgery (WMD 7, 95% CI 2-12). The incidence of patients reporting limited activity at 3 months was reduced (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.00-0.82), and time to full activity was significantly reduced in the VATS versus OPEN surgery (WMD -1.5, 95% CI -2.1 to -0.9). Overall patient-reported physical function scores did not differ between groups at 3 years follow-up. Hospital length of stay was significantly reduced by 2.6 days despite increased 16 minutes of operating time for VATS versus OPEN. The incidence of cancer recurrence (local or distal) was not significantly different, but chemotherapy delays were significantly reduced for VATS versus OPEN (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.06-0.38). The need for chemotherapy reduction was also decreased (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16-0.87), and the number of patients who did not receive at least 75% of their planned chemotherapy without delays were reduced (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.93). The risk of death was not significantly reduced when RCTs were considered alone; however, when non-RCTs (n = 18) were included, the risk of death at 1 to 5 years was significantly reduced (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55-0.94; P = 0.02) for VATS versus OPEN. Stage-specific survival to 5 years was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

: This meta-analysis suggests that there may be some short term, and possibly even long-term, advantages to performing lung resections with VATS techniques rather than through conventional thoracotomy. Overall, VATS for lobectomy may reduce acute and chronic pain, perioperative morbidity, and improve delivery of adjuvant therapies, without a decrease in stage specific long-term survival. However, the results are largely dependent on non-RCTs, and future adequately powered randomized trials with long-term follow-up are encouraged.

Totally thoracoscopic pulmonary anatomic segmentectomies: technical considerations

BACKGROUND

While video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomies are being increasingly accepted, VATS segmentectomies are still considered as technically challenging. With the renewed interest for sublobar resection in the management of early stage lung carcinomas, the thoracoscopic approach may have a major role in a near future. We report our technique and results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Totally thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomiy, i.e., using only endoscopic instrumentation and video-display without utility incision, was attempted on 117 patients (51 males and 66 females), aged 18 to 81 years (mean: 62 years). The indication was a clinical N0 non-small cell lung carcinoma in 69 cases, a solitary metastasis in 17 cases and a benign lesion in 31 cases. The following segmentectomies were performed: right apicosuperior [26] right superior [10], right basilar [18], lingula sparing left upper lobectomy [15], left apicosuperior [11], lingula [7], left superior [14], left basilar [13] and subsegmental resection [3]. Segmentectomy was associated with a radical lymphadenectomy in 69 cases.

RESULTS

There were 5 conversions to thoracotomy. The mean operative time was 181±52 minutes, the mean intraoperative blood loss was 77±81 cc. There were 12 postoperative complications (11.7%). The median postoperative stay was 5.5±2.2 days. Out of the 69 patients operated on for a cN0 lung carcinoma, 6 were finally upstaged.

CONCLUSIONS

Totally thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomies are feasible and have a low complication rate.

Single-port Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Lung Cancer

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive technique that has many advantages in postoperative pain and recovery time. Because of its advantages, VATS is one of the surgical techniques widely used in patients with lung cancer. Most surgeons perform VATS for lung cancer with three or more incisions. As the technique of VATS has evolved, single-port VATS for lung cancer has been attempted and its advantages have been reported. We describe our experiences of VATS for lung cancer with a single incision in this report.

The feasibility of a Two-incision video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

Background

This study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy with two incisions.

Methods

A total of 73 patients (male 47, female 26; mean age 61.2 ± 12.00 years old) who underwent major pulmonary resection, through VATS, using two incisions were included in this study. The thoracoscopy port was placed at the 7th or the 8th intercostal space in the mid-axillary line, and the working port, 3~5 cm long, at the 5th intercostal space, on the operator’s side.

Results

The preoperative diagnosis was benign lung disease in 8 patients (11.0%) and malignant lung disease in 65 (89.0%). Two patients (3.1%) needed a third port during surgery due to severe pleural adhesion, and conversion to thoracotomy was needed in 5 (6.8%), due to bleeding at pulmonary arterial branch (n = 3), anthracofibrotic lymph nodes around pulmonary artery (n = 1), and severe pleural adhesion (n = 1). The mean duration of the operation in the 66 patients, completed by a two-incision VATS lobectomy, was 163.4 ± 30.40 minutes. In 56 cases, which were completed by a two-incision VATS lobectomy for primary lung cancer, a total number of dissected lymph nodes per patient were 20.2 ± 11.2. The chest tube was removed on postoperative day 5.4 ± 2.8, and there was no occurrence of major perioperative morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions

Two-incision VATS lobectomy is applicable in the selected cases, and may obtain similar results with the conventional VATS lobectomy, through a certain period of learning curve.

Uni-incisional video-assisted thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy in a patient with an incomplete fissure

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) was introduced nearly two decades ago. Since then, there has been a rapid development in minimal invasive techniques for lung cancer treatment. The common approach is the one performed through three incisions, including a utility incision of ∼3 to 5 cm. However, lobectomy can be performed by using only two incisions (one camera port and working incision). A few clinics perform this approach. We began the two-incision technique in our institution in February 2009. After performing 95 cases with this technique, we observed that for lower lobes the second incision could be eliminated, and we performed the surgery by using only the 4-cm utility incision. This article describes a case report of a 57-year-old woman operated by this uni-incisional approach for a lower lobe video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

Lobe-specific unidirectional stapling strategy in video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility of the lobe-specific unidirectional stapling strategy (LSUS) strategy in video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 123 patients, who underwent VATS lobectomy using LSUS. The vein, artery, and bronchus of each lobe were stapled through a lobe-specific port. The posteroinferior port, in the eighth intercostal space on the posterior axillary line, was the stapler port in upper or middle lobectomies. The anteroinferior port, in the sixth intercostal space on the anterior axillary line, was used for each lower lobectomy.

RESULTS

VATS lobectomy was completed in 116 (94%) patients and LSUS was successful for every lobectomy in these patients. There were no adverse events related to stapling. Fifteen patients experienced postoperative complications. The operative mortality rate was 1.7%. The mean pain score on the first postoperative day was 3.2 out of 10.

CONCLUSIONS

LSUS is feasible and safe for all type of VATS lobectomy.

Mediastinal lymph node dissection in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: totally thoracoscopic vs thoracotomy

OBJECTIVES

Although major pulmonary resections for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are more and more frequently performed through thoracoscopy, the adequacy of lymphadenectomy achieved via this approach is still questioned. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of lymph node dissection (LND) during totally thoracoscopic (TT) major pulmonary resections.

METHODS

Clinical and pathological data of consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy for clinical-N0 NSCLC between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2009 were reviewed. The main evaluation criterion was the number of mediastinal lymph nodes (LNs) and mediastinal stations dissected through a TT approach when compared with the classical posterolateral thoracotomy (PLT) approach.

RESULTS

A total of 296 major pulmonary resections (278 lobectomies and 18 anatomic segmentectomies) for clinical stages I-II NSCLC were performed, 96 via a TT approach and 200 through PLT. Patients' clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The overall-i.e mediastinal and lobar-number of dissected mediastinal LNs and of dissected mediastinal stations were similar in both groups (TT: mean ± SD = 17.7 ± 8.2; PLT: 18.2 ± 9.3(P < 0.937) and 3.2 ± 0.9 vs 3.4 ± 0.9, respectively). The overall numbers of stations (TT: mean ± SD 5.1 ± 1.1; PLT: 4.5 ± 1.2) and LNs (TT: 22.6 ± 9.4, PLT: 25.4 ± 10.8) were slightly but significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001 and P = 0.033, respectively); there was no difference in terms of post-operative complications, although patients from the TT group had significantly fewer days with the chest tube (mean ± SD = 4.0 ± 1.8 vs 5.7 ± 3.9, P < 0.001) and shorter length of stay (7.0 ± 2.5 days vs 10.3 ± 7.4, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy for clinical early-stage NSCLC, the quality of mediastinal LND is equivalent to that performed by thoracotomy.

Fully endoscopic major pulmonary resection for stage I bronchial carcinoma: initial results

INTRODUCTION

Several case-series studies of major pulmonary resection (MPR) by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been published, but fully endoscopic MPR is still very rarely performed. Our objective here was to report the outcomes in 71 patients recently managed using fully endoscopic MPR for NSCLC.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2009, 635 patients with NSCLC underwent MPR (pneumonectomy, lobectomy or segmentectomy). Among them, 71 (11%) had features strongly suggesting clinical stage I NSCLC and were managed by fully endoscopic MPR, with no utility incision. Lobectomy was performed in 63 patients and segmentectomy in eight patients. Conversion to thoracotomy was required in two (2.8%) patients, because of a fused fissure in one and tight pleural adhesions in the other. Radical lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients managed endoscopically, none died and none experienced intraoperative complications. Mean operating time was 226±38 minutes (range, 137-307 minutes) and mean intraoperative blood loss was 111±93mL (range, 0-450mL). The final histological examination showed stage I NSCLC in 52 patients, NSCLC with node involvement in nine patients (pN1 in 6 and pN2 in 3) and other types of malignancies in eight patients. Mean number of nodes removed was 21±8 after right-sided lymphadenectomy and 23±8 after left-sided lymphadenectomy and the mean number of dissected node sites was 3 (range, 2-5). The postoperative morbidity rate was 23%. Mean postoperative hospital stay length was 6.9±2 days (range, 3-12).

CONCLUSION

Fully endoscopic MPR is safe and meets the criteria for oncological surgery.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy: 3-year initial experience with 200 cases

OBJECTIVE

To analyse the evolution of the video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) approach for lobectomy and results during the first 3 years of program.

METHODS

From 1(st) July-2007 to 31(th) July-2010 we carried out 200 lobectomies by VATS. In February 2009 we started performing VATS lobectomies with only 2 incisions .We have analyzed both annual and overall outcomes regarding type of approach, conversion rate, surgical time, lymphadenectomy and overall survival.

RESULTS

Distribution of the cases per year were as follows: first-year 32, second-year 65, third-year 103. Overall conversion rate was 14,5% (first-year 25%, second-year 20%, third-year 7.8%; p = 0.017). Surgical approach was: 4 ports (1 case), 3 ports (99 cases, 100% in first-year), 2 ports (99 cases, 80% in third-year), single-port (1 case, third-year) Mean surgical time in successful VATS was 193.8 min (210.8 first-year, 207.9 second-year, 181.1 third-year; p = 0.011), mean number of lymph nodes were 11.9 (9.3 first-year, 10.1 second-year, 13.9 third-year; p = 0.003) and mean explored stations was 4.2 (3.6 first-year, 3.8 second-year, 4.5 third-year; p < 0.001). Globally median chest tube duration was 3 days. Median length of stay was 4 days. The disease-free survival at 30 months was 85% for Stage I patients and 62% for non-stage I patients.

CONCLUSIONS

As we gain more experience over time, with more cases performed each year and less invasive approaches, results improve in terms of less surgical time and more extended lymphadenectomies. Furthermore, we have observed a clear evolution in our surgical approach to a less invasive 2-port approach. In selected cases we have implemented the single-port lobectomy.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer: the point at issue

Among the four subjects addressed in this article, the definition of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is fundamentally the point at issue, which leads to various obstacles for upcoming clinical trials. It is strongly expected that VATS lobectomy will be identified as a standard operation for primary lung cancer with confirmed clinical evidence. Standard surgical procedure with a certain oncological validity for lung cancer should be minimally invasive, safe, and technically simple for general thoracic surgeons. In conclusion, most patients with resectable lung cancer will be able to benefit from a validated painless VATS lobectomy in the near future.

[Totally endoscopic major pulmonary resection for stage I bronchial carcinoma: initial results]

INTRODUCTION

Several series of video-assisted (VATS) major pulmonary resection (MPR) for non small cell bronchial carcinoma (NSCBC) have been published recently. However, totally endoscopic MPR is still very uncommon. We report the initial results of a recent series of 71 patients.

METHODS

From 2007 to 2009, 635 patients had a major pulmonary resection (pneumonectomy, lobectomy or segmentectomy) for NSCBC. Seventy-one out of these patients (11%) in whom a clinical stage I NSCBC was strongly suspected were operated on via a totally endoscopic approach, without mini-thoracotomy or utility incision. Sixty-three had a lobectomy and 8 a segmentectomy. There were 2 conversions to thoracotomy (2.8%), for a fused fissure (1 patient) and for tight pleural adhesions (1 patient). The resection was completed by a radical lymphadenectomy in all patients.

RESULTS

For the 69 patients who had a totally endoscopic procedure, there was no mortality. No intraoperative complications occurred. The mean duration of operation was 226 minutes + or - 38 (range: 137-307 minutes). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 111 cc + or - 93 (range: 0-450 cc). Final pathological examination confirmed stage I NSCBC in 52 patients while 9 NSCBC were upstaged pN1 (n = 6) or pN2 (n = 3). In 8 cases, another type of malignant tumour was found. The mean number of lymph nodes collected was 21 + or - 8 after right-side lymphadenectomy and 23 + or - 8 after left-side lymphadenectomy and the mean number of dissected lymph node stations was 3 (range:2-5). Postoperative morbidity was 23%. The mean postoperative stay was 6.9 days + or - 2 (range: 3-12 days).

CONCLUSIONS

MPR via a totally endoscopic approach is safe and fulfils the criteria for an oncological resection.