Video-assisted thoracic surgery versus open lobectomy for lung cancer: A secondary analysis of data from the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0030 randomized clinical trial

The Surgical Renaissance: Advancements in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery and Their Impact on Patient Outcomes

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery has advanced the treatment of lung cancer since its introduction in the 1990s. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) offer the advantage of smaller incisions without compromising patient outcomes. These techniques have been shown to be safe and effective in standard pulmonary resections (lobectomy and sub-lobar resection) and in complex pulmonary resections (sleeve resection and pneumonectomy). Furthermore, several studies show these techniques enhance patient outcomes from early recovery to improved quality of life (QoL) and excellent oncologic results. The rise of RATS has yielded further operative benefits compared to thoracoscopic surgery. The wristed instruments, neutralization of tremor, dexterity, and magnification allow for more precise and delicate dissection of tissues and vessels. This review summarizes of the advancements in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and the positive impact on patient outcomes.

Video-Assisted vs Robotic-Assisted Lung Lobectomies for Operating Room Resource Utilization and Patient Outcomes

Importance

With increased use of robots, there is an inadequate understanding of minimally invasive modalities' time costs. This study evaluates the operative durations of robotic-assisted vs video-assisted lung lobectomies.

Objective

To compare resource utilization, specifically operative time, between video-assisted and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lung lobectomies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients aged 18 to 90 years who underwent minimally invasive (robotic-assisted or video-assisted) lung lobectomy from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, with 90 days' follow-up after surgery. The study included multicenter electronic health record data from 21 hospitals within an integrated health care system in Northern California. Thoracic surgery was regionalized to 4 centers with 14 board-certified general thoracic surgeons.

Exposures

Robotic-assisted or video-assisted lung lobectomy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was operative duration (cut to close) in minutes. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, 30-day readmission, and 90-day mortality. Comparisons between video-assisted and robotic-assisted lobectomies were generated using the Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables and the χ2 test for categorical variables. The average treatment effects were estimated with augmented inverse probability treatment weighting (AIPTW). Patient and surgeon covariates were adjusted for and included patient demographics, comorbidities, and case complexity (age, sex, race and ethnicity, neighborhood deprivation index, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index score, nonelective hospitalizations, emergency department visits, a validated laboratory derangement score, a validated institutional comorbidity score, a surgeon-designated complexity indicator, and a procedural code count), and a primary surgeon-specific indicator.

Results

The study included 1088 patients (median age, 70.1 years [IQR, 63.3-75.8 years]; 704 [64.7%] female), of whom 446 (41.0%) underwent robotic-assisted and 642 (59.0%) underwent video-assisted lobectomy. The median unadjusted operative duration was 172.0 minutes (IQR, 128.0-226.0 minutes). After AIPTW, there was less than a 10% difference in all covariates between groups, and operative duration was a median 20.6 minutes (95% CI, 12.9-28.2 minutes; P < .001) longer for robotic-assisted compared with video-assisted lobectomies. There was no difference in adjusted secondary patient outcomes, specifically for length of stay (0.3 days; 95% CI, -0.3 to 0.8 days; P = .11) or risk of 30-day readmission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.84-1.98; P = .13). The unadjusted 90-day mortality rate (1.3% [n = 14]) was too low for the AIPTW modeling process.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, there was no difference in patient outcomes between modalities, but operative duration was longer in robotic-assisted compared with video-assisted lung lobectomy. Given that this elevated operative duration is additive when applied systematically, increased consideration of appropriate patient selection for robotic-assisted lung lobectomy is needed to improve resource utilization.

Resectable non-stage IV nonsmall cell lung cancer: the surgical perspective

Surgery remains an essential element of the multimodality radical treatment of patients with early-stage nonsmall cell lung cancer. In addition, thoracic surgery is one of the key specialties involved in the lung cancer tumour board. The importance of the surgeon in the setting of a multidisciplinary panel is ever-increasing in light of the crucial concept of resectability, which is at the base of patient selection for neoadjuvant/adjuvant treatments within trials and in real-world practice. This review covers some of the topics which are relevant in the daily practice of a thoracic oncological surgeon and should also be known by the nonsurgical members of the tumour board. It covers the following topics: the pre-operative selection of the surgical candidate in terms of fitness in light of the ever-improving nonsurgical treatment alternatives unfit patients may benefit from; the definition of resectability, which is so important to include patients into trials and to select the most appropriate radical treatment; the impact of surgical access and surgical extension with the evolving role of minimally invasive surgery, sublobar resections and parenchymal-sparing sleeve resections to avoid pneumonectomy.

Long-term changes in psoas muscle mass after lobectomy and segmentectomy for early-stage lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Segmentectomy is considered a less invasive procedure than lobectomy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, little is known about the physiological mechanism underlying the lower invasiveness of segmentectomy. This study is aimed to compare the differences in the long-term changes in the psoas muscle mass after segmentectomy and lobectomy in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

Overall 315 recurrence-free patients who underwent segmentectomy (n = 93) or lobectomy (n = 222) for clinical stage 0-I NSCLC between January 2016 and December 2018 and underwent computed tomography during the entire period of 6 months ≤ postoperative year (POY) 0.5 < 12 months, 12 months ≤ POY 1 < 24 months, 24 months ≤ POY 2 < 36 months, and 36 months ≤ POY 3 < 48 months were included. Bilateral psoas muscle area (PMA) at the L3 level was measured using each cross-sectional computed tomography scan. Differences between the segmentectomy and lobectomy groups in the mean change of postoperative PMA from the preoperative period were analysed using Student's t-test and mixed analysis of variance. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for PMA loss on POY 3 using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The lobectomy group had a significantly larger PMA change than the segmentectomy group during each postoperative period (P < 0.001). Mixed analysis of variance revealed that the mean PMA change was significantly smaller in the segmentectomy group than in the lobectomy group during the observation period (P < 0.001). The mean change in the PMA was significantly larger from POY1 (-2.5%) to POY2 (-3.9%) and POY3 (-4.7%) in the lobectomy group (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001). However, PMA remained unchanged during the postoperative observation period in the segmentectomy group. In the multivariable analysis, the risk factors for PMA change ≤-3.3% (cut-off: mean change of PMA) at POY3 included lobectomy [odds ratio (OR), 3.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90-5.82; P < 0.001], male sex (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.02-3.62; P = 0.044) and open thoracotomy (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.11-3.05; P = 0.017). After propensity score matching, the mean change in PMA was smaller in the segmentectomy group (n = 75) than in the lobectomy group (n = 75) during the postoperative observation period (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Psoas muscle mass was better maintained during the postoperative period by segmentectomy than by lobectomy. Psoas muscle mass reduction progressed over a long postoperative period after lobectomy. Segmentectomy via complete video-assisted thoracic surgery is associated with a lower likelihood of sarcopenia progression.

Effect of thoracoscopic and thoracotomy on postoperative wound complications in patients with lung cancer: A meta-analysis

Because of the difficult surgical procedures, patients with lung cancer who have received thoracic surgery tend to have postoperative complications. It may lead to postoperative complications like wound infection, wound haematoma and pneumothorax. A lot of research has assessed the effect of various surgery methods on postoperative complications in pulmonary cancer. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to establish if thoracoscopic is superior to that of thoracotomy in the rate of post-operative complications. From the beginning to the end of June 2023, we performed an exhaustive search on four main databases for key words. The Hazard of Bias in Non-Randomized Interventional Studies (ROBINS-I) was evaluated in the literature. In the end, 13 trials that fulfilled the eligibility criteria underwent further statistical analyses. The results showed that thoracoscopic intervention decreased the risk of post operative wound infection (dominant ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% confidence margin [CI], 1.98, 4.55; p < 0.00001) and air-leakage after operation (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.63; p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the rate of haemorrhage after operation (OR, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.73, 1.66; p = 0.63). Our findings indicate that thoracoscopic is less likely to cause post operative infection and gas leakage than thoracotomy, and it does not decrease the risk of postoperative haemorrhage. As some of the chosen trials are too small to conduct meta-analyses, care must be taken when handling the data. In the future, a large number of randomized, controlled trials will be required to provide additional evidence for this research.

Pulmonary Lobectomy for Early-Stage Lung Cancer with Uniportal versus Three-Portal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: Results from a Single-Centre Randomized Clinical Trial

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is a consolidated approach; however, there is no consensus on the number of ports leading to less postoperative pain. We compared early postoperative pain after uniportal and three-portal VATS lobectomy for early-stage NSCLC. In this randomized clinical trial, patients undergoing VATS lobectomy were randomly assigned to receive uniportal (U-VATS Group) or three-portal (T-VATS Group) VATS. The inclusion criteria were age ≤ 80 years and ASA < 4. The exclusion criteria were clinical T3, previous thoracic surgery, induction therapy, chest radiotherapy, connective tissue or vascular diseases, major organ failure, and analgesics or corticosteroids use. The postoperative analgesia protocol was based on NRS. Pain was measured as analgesic consumption; the secondary endpoints were intra- and postoperative complications, conversion rate, surgical time, dissected lymph nodes, hospital stay, and respiratory function. Out of 302 eligible patients, 120 were included; demographics were distributed homogeneously. The mean cumulative morphine consumption (CMC) in the U-VATS Group after 7 days was lower than in the T-VATS Group (77.4 mg vs. 90.1 mg, p = 0.003). Intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were comparable. The 30-day intercostal neuralgia rate was lower in the U-VATS Group, without reaching statistical significance. Patients undergoing U-VATS showed a lower analgesic consumption compared with the T-VATS Group; analgesic consumption was moderate in both groups.

Subcarinal lymph node dissection facilitated by applying suture passer in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

With the advancement of surgical skills and instrumentation, uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UniVATS) has become a popular option for the treatment of early stage lung cancer surgery. However, performing subcarinal lymph node dissection remains technically challenging under UniVATS view. We introduce a novel technique that utilized a suture passer to improve the exposure of the subcarinal area and simplify lymph node dissection, which has the potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice. There were 13 lung cancer patients who underwent UniVATS lobectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy in our institution from July to August 2022. Clinical data of the patients were documented and reviewed. The study population consisted of nine females and four males, with an average age of 57.5 ± 9.1 years. UniVATS lobectomy with mediastinal lymphadectomy was successfully performed in all patients without conversion to open surgery. The mean operation time was 90.7 ± 36.0 min (53-178 min), intraoperative blood loss was 73.1 ± 43.8 mL (50-200 mL), and postoperative hospital stay was 2.9 ± 0.3 days (2-3 days). No complications related to lymph node dissection, such as chylothorax, occurred. Our novel method of using a suture passer could simplify the procedure of subcarinal lymph node dissection during UniVATS in initial clinical practice. Further comparative studies are warranted in the future.

Real-world surgical treatment patterns and clinical outcomes in patients with stages IA-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective multicentric observational study involving 11,958 patients

PURPOSE

Surgical resection is cornerstone treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and offers a chance for cure. This study was conducted to determine current surgical treatment patterns and outcomes of Chinese patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

Data of patients with histologically confirmed NSCLC of stages IA-IIIA and who underwent surgery between July 2014 and July 2020 were retrospectively collected from 9 tertiary hospitals in China. Cox model was used for multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

This study included 11,958 patients, among whom 59.1%, 19.2%, and 21.7% were in stages I, II, and IIIA, respectively. Lobectomy was the most common operation method (78.4%), followed by wedge resection (8.2%), segmentectomy (5.4%), pneumonectomy (5.2%), and bronchial sleeve lobectomy (2.8%). Among patients who underwent wedge resection and segmentectomy, majority had stage I NSCLC (87.2% and 93.3%, respectively), and sublobectomy accounted for 20.7% of stage I operations. With a median follow-up time of 30.2 months, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of entire population were 88.9% and 96.1% at 1 year, 75.2% and 85.1% at 3 years, and 65.3% and 77.0% at 5 years, respectively. The 5-year OS rates for stages IA, IB, IIA, IIB, and IIIA disease were 93.2%, 82.7%, 70.3%, 67.0%, and 52.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest real-world cohort study of patients with NSCLC who underwent surgery in China, where we described characteristics of surgical treatment and survival outcomes. The results of our study provide insights into real-world surgical treatment status for surgeons and clinicians.

Comparison of the Outcomes between Systematic Lymph Node Dissection and Lobe-Specific Lymph Node Dissection for Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

This study compares the surgical and long-term outcomes, including disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS), between lobe-specific lymph node dissection (L-SND) and systematic lymph node dissection (SND) among patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 107 patients diagnosed with clinical stage I NSCLC undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy (exclusion of the right middle lobe) from January 2011 to December 2018 were enrolled. The patients were assigned to the L-SND (n = 28) and SND (n = 79) groups according to the procedure performed on them. Demographics, perioperative data, and surgical and long-term oncological outcomes were collected and compared between the L-SND and SND groups.

RESULTS

The mean follow-duration was 60.6 months. The demographic data and surgical outcomes and long-term oncological outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. The 5-year OS of the L-SND and SND groups was 82% and 84%, respectively. The 5-year DFS of the L-SND and SND groups was 70% and 65%, respectively. The 5-year CSS of the L-SND and SND groups was 80% and 86%, respectively. All the surgical and long-term outcomes were not statistically different between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

L-SND showed comparable surgical and oncologic outcomes with SND for clinical stage I NSCLC. L-SND could be a treatment choice for stage I NSCLC.

Advances in Surgical Techniques for Lung Cancer

Thoracic surgery for non-small cell lung cancer has evolved tremendously in the past two decades. Improvements have come on multiples fronts and include a transition to minimally invasive techniques, an incorporation of neoadjuvant treatment, and a greater utilization of sublobar resection. These advances have reduced the morbidity of thoracic surgery, while maintaining or improving long-term survival. This review highlights major advances in the surgical techniques of lung cancer and the keys to optimizing outcomes from a surgical perspective.

Minimally invasive sleeve lobectomy for centrally located lung cancer: A real-world study with propensity-score matching

Background

The safety, feasibility, and prognosis of sleeve lobectomy by minimally invasive surgery (MIS) remain to be validated. The purpose of this study was to investigate outcomes in real-world patients receiving minimally invasive sleeve lobectomy in a balanced large cohort.

Methods

Between January 2013 and December 2018, 578 consecutive patients undergoing sleeve resection at a high-volume center were retrospectively analyzed. Surgical and oncologic outcomes were compared between MIS and thoracotomy patients after propensity-score matching (PSM).

Results

MIS sleeve lobectomy was increasingly used as a time-trend in real-world. Before PSM, the MIS group had smaller tumor size, more T2-stage cases, and more right upper lobe sleeve lobectomies compared to the Open group. After 1:4 PSM by patient demographics and tumoral characteristics, 100 cases of MIS and 338 cases of Open sleeve lobectomy were further analyzed. Although median operation time was longer in the MIS group than in the Open group (170.5 minutes vs.149.5 minutes, P < 0.001), patients in MIS group had significantly less estimated intraoperative blood loss (100 ml vs. 200 ml, P = 0.003), shorter drainage duration (5 days vs. 6 days, P = 0.027) and less amount of drainage (1280 ml vs. 1640 ml, P < 0.001) after surgery. Complete resection rate, combined angioplasty, number of dissected lymph nodes, post-operative length of stay, postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, and application of adjuvant therapy were similar between the two matched groups. Conversion to open thoracotomy was necessary in 13.6% patients, but with similar perioperative outcomes compared to Open cases except for longer operation time. More lower lobe sleeve lobectomies were accomplished via robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery than via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (40.0% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.017) in MIS patients. Five-year overall survivals (MIS vs. Open: 72.7% vs. 64.4%, P = 0.156) and five-year progression-free survivals (MIS vs. Open: 49.2% vs. 50.5%, P = 0.605) were similar between the two matched groups.

Conclusions

MIS sleeve lobectomy is associated with similar or even better perioperative results and oncologic outcomes to open thoracotomy. Conversion to thoracotomy does not compromise perioperative outcomes. Robot surgery may be preferable for more complex sleeve resections.

Meta-analysis comparing the perioperative efficacy of single-port versus two and multi-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical anatomical lung resection for lung cancer

BACKGROUND

As a new surgical procedure for non-small cell lung cancer, single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has lately gained popularity; nevertheless, it is unknown if single-port VATS offers any advantages over multi-portal. The study aims to assess the different impacts of using single-port VATS versus 2-port or multi-port VATS such as operation and drainage time, blood loss volume, number of resected lymph nodes, and hospital stay in lung cancer patients.

METHODS

Inclusion criteria included studies from different languages that compare single-port against 2 or multi-port VATS. The outcomes of these studies were analyzed using a random-effect model and it was used to calculate the mean difference with 95 percent confidence intervals to quantify the impact of different surgical techniques on clinical parameters.

RESULTS

Single or Uni-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery results in significantly lower drainage time after surgery compared with 2-port (P = .03) and multi-port (P < .001) VATS. In contrast to the resection of lymph nodes, there was no significant difference between uni-port and 2-port (P = .49) or multiport (P = .29) VATS. While operation time, blood loss, complications, and hospital stay were significantly lower in uni-port compared with multi-port VATS (P = .04, P = .002, P < .001, respectively), but not with 2-port VATS (P = .44, 0.06, P = .13). There were no significant differences between uni-port and multi-port VATS regarding conversion rate, mortality, and staging.

CONCLUSION

Single or Uni-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has high efficacy and lower side effects compared with multi-port regarding the perioperative outcomes. Two-port VATS has similar results with uni-port in several parameters.

The ARISCAT Risk Index as a Predictor of Pulmonary Complications After Thoracic Surgeries, Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Background

Pulmonary complications after thoracic surgery are common and are associated with prolonged hospital stay, higher costs, and increased mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the value of The Assess Respiratory risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) risk index in predicting pulmonary complications after thoracic surgery.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted at Almoosa Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia, from August 2016 to August 2019 and included 108 patients who underwent thoracic surgery during the study period. Demographic data, ARISCAT risk index score, length of hospital stay, time of chest tube removal, postoperative complications, and time of discharge were recorded.

Results

The study involved 108 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 42.5 ± 18.9 years, and most of them were men (67.6%). Comorbid diseases were present in 53.7%, including mainly type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension. FEV1% was measured in 58 patients, with a mean of 71.1 ± 7.3%. The mean ARISCAT score was 39.3 ± 12.4 and ranged from 24 to 76, with more than one-third (35.2%) having a high score grade. The most common surgical procedures were thoracotomy in 47.2%, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 28.7%, and mediastinoscopy in 17.6%. Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) occurred in 22 patients (20.4%), mainly pneumonia and atelectasis (9.2%). PPCs occurred most frequently during thoracotomy (68.2%), followed by VATS (13.6%), and mediastinoscopy (9.1%). Multinomial logistic regression of significant risk factors showed that lower FEV1% (OR = 0.88 [0.79-0.98]; p=0.017), longer ICU length of stay (OR = 1.53 [1.04-2.25]; p=0.033), a higher ARISCAT score (OR = 1.22 [1.02-1.47]; p=0.040), and a high ARISCAT grade (OR = 2.77 [1.06-7.21]; p=0.037) were significant predictors of the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Conclusion

ARISCAT scoring system, lower FEV1% score, and longer ICU stay were significant predictors of postoperative complications. In addition, thoracotomy was also found to be associated with PPCs.

The impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery pathway for video-assisted and robotic-assisted lobectomy on surgical outcomes and costs: a retrospective single-center cohort study

To determine the impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway implementation on outcomes and cost of robotic- and video-assisted thoracoscopic (RATS and VATS) lobectomy. Retrospective review of 116 consecutive VATS and RATS lobectomies in the pre-ERAS (Oct 2018-Sep 2019) and ERAS (Oct 2019-Sep 2020) period. Multivariate analysis was used to determine the impact of ERAS and operative approach alone, and in combination, on length of hospital stay (LOS) and overall cost. Operative approach was 49.1% VATS, 50.9% RATS, with 44.8% pre-ERAS, and 55.2% ERAS (median age 68, 65.5% female). ERAS patients had shorter LOS (2.22 vs 3.45 days) and decreased total cost ($15,022 vs $20,155) compared with non-ERAS patients, while RATS was associated with decreased LOS (2.16 vs 4.19 days) and decreased total cost ($14,729 vs $20,484) compared with VATS. The combination of ERAS + RATS showed the shortest LOS and the lowest total cost (1.35 days and $13,588, P < 0.001 vs other combinations). On multivariate analysis, ERAS significantly decreased LOS (P = 0.001) and total cost (P = 0.003) compared with pre-ERAS patients; RATS significantly decreased LOS (P < 0.001) and total cost (P = 0.004) compared with VATS approach. ERAS implementation and robotic approach were independently associated with LOS reduction and cost savings in patients undergoing minimally invasive lobectomy. A combination of ERAS and RATS approach synergistically decreases LOS and overall cost.

Malignant neoplasm of the bronchi and lung: Russian clinical guidelines

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Regional analgesia techniques for video-assisted thoracic surgery: a frequentist network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Various regional analgesia techniques are used to reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This study aimed to determine the relative efficacy of regional analgesic interventions for VATS using a network meta-analysis (NMA).

METHODS

We searched the Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Controlled Trial Register, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the analgesic effects of the following interventions: control, thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), erector spinae plane block (ESPB), serratus plane block (SPB), and intercostal nerve block (INB). The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 24-h postoperative period. Pain scores were also collected during three different postoperative periods: the early (0-6 h), middle (6-18 h), and late (18-24 h) periods.

RESULTS

A total of 21 RCTs (1391 patients) were included. TPVB showed the greatest effect on opioid consumption compared with the control (mean difference [MD] = -13.2 mg; 95% CI [-16.2, -10.1]). In terms of pain scores in the early period, ESPB had the greatest effect compared to control (MD = -1.6; 95% CI [-2.3, -0.9]). In the middle and late periods, pain scores showed that TPVB, ESPB and INB had superior analgesic effects compared to controls, while SPB did not.

CONCLUSIONS

TPVB had the best analgesic efficacy following VATS, though the analgesic efficacy of ESPBs was comparable. However, further studies are needed to determine the optimal regional analgesia technique to improve postoperative pain control following VATS.

Perioperative Systemic Inflammation in Lung Cancer Surgery

Systemic inflammation (SI) is a response of the immune system to infectious or non-infectious injuries that defends the body homeostasis. Every surgical intervention triggers SI, the level of which depends on the extent of damage caused by the surgery. During the first few hours after the damage, the innate or natural immunity, involving neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells, plays a main role in the defense mechanism, but thereafter the adaptive immune response ensues. The number of leukocytes is elevated, the levels of lymphocytes and natural killer cells are reduced, and the cytokines released after surgery correlate with surgical damage. Minimally invasive thoracic surgery procedures induce less inflammatory response and reduce the immune defense in patients to a more moderate level compared with the open surgery procedures; this immunosuppression can be further diminished in spontaneous ventilation cases. The normal functioning of the immune defense is important in controlling the perioperative circulatory tumor cells. Moreover, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines before immune therapy have a negative impact on the response, and significantly shorten the progression-free survival. Clinically, the lower are the levels of cytokines released during lung surgery, the lesser is the postoperative morbidity, especially pneumonia and wound infection. The return to normal levels of lymphocytes and cytokines occurs faster after spontaneous ventilation surgery. The use of locoregional anesthesia can also reduce SI. Herein, we review the current knowledge on the effects of different operative factors on postoperative SI and defense mechanism in lung cancer surgery.

Clinical guide to perioperative management for videothoracoscopy lung resection (Section of Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Anesthesia, SEDAR; Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery, SECT; Spanish Society of Physiotherapy)

The introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) techniques has led to a new approach in thoracic surgery. VATS is performed by inserting a thoracoscope through a small incisions in the chest wall, thus maximizing the preservation of muscle and tissue. Because of its low rate of morbidity and mortality, VATS is currently the technique of choice in most thoracic procedures. Lung resection by VATS reduces prolonged air leaks, arrhythmia, pneumonia, postoperative pain and inflammatory markers. This reduction in postoperative complications shortens hospital length of stay, and is particularly beneficial in high-risk patients with low tolerance to thoracotomy. Compared with conventional thoracotomy, the oncological results of VATS surgery are similar or even superior to those of open surgery. This aim of this multidisciplinary position statement produced by the thoracic surgery working group of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation (SEDAR), the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT), and the Spanish Association of Physiotherapy (AEF) is to standardize and disseminate a series of perioperative anaesthesia management guidelines for patients undergoing VATS lung resection surgery. Each recommendation is based on an in-depth review of the available literature by the authors. In this document, the care of patients undergoing VATS surgery is organized in sections, starting with the surgical approach, and followed by the three pillars of anaesthesia management: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anaesthesia.

Training Cardiothoracic Residents in Robotic Lobectomy Is Cost-Effective With No Change in Clinical Outcomes

Objective: Our objective was to evaluate for any changes in quality or cost when robotic lung resection is used with significant trainee participation. Methods: All anatomic lung resections between January 2006 and June 2016 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Clinical data were recorded by double entry. Cost and cancer-related data were gathered from the business analytics department and tumor registry. Robotic outcomes were compared to an ongoing thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) experience. Propensity scores using age, sex, and comorbidities were assigned for statistical analysis. Survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Of 523 consecutive cases, 483 were included (211 robotic, 210 thoracotomy, 62 VATS). There were 74 robotic cases (35%) performed by trainees as the console surgeon. Length of stay was shortest for robotics (3 days) compared to thoracotomy (7 days, P < 0.001) and VATS (5 days, P = 0.010). Complications occurred in 33% of robotic cases, 42% of VATS cases (P = 0.854), and 52% of thoracotomy cases (P < 0.001). Stage I non-small cell lung cancer 3-year overall survival for robotics, thoracotomy, and VATS was 79.5%, 74.3%, and 74.0%, respectively (P > 0.25). There was no significant difference in negative margin rates. Total cost related to the hospitalization for surgery was $5,721 less for robotics compared to thoracotomy (P = 0.003) but comparable to VATS. Trainees served as console surgeon in 0% of cases in the first 2 years of robotics but increased to 79% in the last year of the study. Conclusions: Robotic lung resection can be safely performed and taught in an academic medical center without sacrificing quality or cost.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Tumor-Targeted Imaging in Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review

Lung cancer is the most common cancer type worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common subtype. Non-disseminated NSCLC is mainly treated with surgical resection. The intraoperative detection of lung cancer can be challenging, since small and deeply located pulmonary nodules can be invisible under white light. Due to the increasing use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, tactile information is often reduced. Therefore, several intraoperative imaging techniques have been tested to localize pulmonary nodules, of which near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is an emerging modality. In this systematic review, the available literature on fluorescence imaging of lung cancers is presented, which shows that NIR fluorescence-guided lung surgery has the potential to identify the tumor during surgery, detect additional lesions and prevent tumor-positive resection margins.

Radicality of lymphadenectomy in lung cancer resections by thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopic approach: A prospective, multicentre and propensity-score adjusted study

OBJECTIVE

To analyse differences in intraoperative nodal assessment in patients undergoing lung cancer resection by thoracotomy and video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) in the Spanish Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Group (GEVATS).

METHODS

Prospective multicentre cohort study of anatomic pulmonary resections (n = 3533) performed from December 2016 to March 2018. Main surgical, clinical and oncological variables related with lymphadenectomy were compared according to surgical approach. Corresponding tests for homogeneity were performed. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Covariate adjustment using the propensity score (PS) was performed to reduce confounding effects.

RESULTS

After exclusions, 2532 patients were analysed. Systematic nodal dissection (SND) was performed in 65%, with a median of resected/sampled lymph nodes (LN) of 7 (IQR 4-12) and pathologic (p) N2 and uncertain (u) pNu rates of 9.4% and 28.9%, respectively. At multivariate analysis, the following were associated with thoracotomy (OR; 95%CI): SND (1.4; 1.08-1.96; p = 0.014), staging mediastinoscopy (2.6; 1.59-4.25; p < 0.001), tumor > 3 cm (2.1; 1.66-2.78; p < 0.001), central tumor (2.5; 1.90-3.24; p < 0.001); pN1 (1.8; 1.25-2.67; p < 0.002), pN2 (1.8; 1.18-2.76; p = 0.006), lower FEV1 (0.9; 0.98-0.99; p < 0.001), squamous cell carcinoma (1.5; 1.16-1.98; p = 0.002) and inexperienced surgeons in VATS (compared with > 100 VATS experience) (37.6; 13.55-104.6; p < 0.001). After PS adjustment, SND maintained the OR, but in the limit of signification (1.4; 1-1.98; p = 0.05). Nodal upstaging was significantly higher in the thoracotomy group. Complication rates of SND and no SND were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracotomy was associated with a more thorough lymphadenectomy in GEVATS. Therefore, intraoperative lymph node evaluation performed at VATS should be improved to have better prognostic information and more solid grounds to indicate adjuvant therapy.

Comparative early results of a robotics-assisted endoscope holder in single port thoracoscopic surgery in the era of COVID-19

Background

Innovations in surgical instruments have made single-port surgery more widely accepted and lead to a reduced demand for surgical assistants. As COVID-19 has ravaged the world, maintaining minimum medical staffing requirements and proper social distancing have become major topics of interest. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of applying the unisurgeon approach in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery aided by a robotic camera holder.

Methods

Operative time, blood loss, setup time, postoperative hospital stays, and the number of participating surgeons in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic lung resections were gathered for investigation after the introduction of the ENDOFIX^exo robotic endoscope holder system. In this cohort, we collected 213 patients who underwent single port video thoracoscope surgery, including 57 patients underwent robotic endoscope arm assisted surgery and case-matched 52 patients in the robotic arm–assisted group with patients in the human-assisted group through propensity score–matched analysis.

Results

In wedge resection, a single surgeon was able to completely operate on all lobes of target lesions. However, for anatomical resections, namely segmentectomy, the success rate was 95%, and for lobectomy, the success rate was only 64%. No significant differences between setup times, blood loss, or operative times between the two groups were observed.

Conclusions

When an experienced uniport surgeon is assisted by a robotic endoscope holder, wedge resection is the most suitable procedure to be performed through unisurgeon single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without increasing setup time, operative time, or short-term complications. Verification of the technique’s applicability for use in anatomic resections requires further investigation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00464-022-09054-8.

Early Outcomes of Robotic Versus Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Anatomical Resection for Lung Cancer

Background

We compared the safety and effectiveness of robotic anatomical resection and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of the records of 4,283 patients, in whom an attempt was made to perform minimally invasive anatomical resection for lung cancer at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2011 to July 2020. Of these patients, 138 underwent robotic surgery and 4,145 underwent VATS. Perioperative outcomes were compared after propensity score matching including age, sex, height, weight, pulmonary function, smoking status, performance status, comorbidities, type of resection, combined bronchoplasty/angioplasty, tumor size, clinical T/N category, histology, and neoadjuvant treatment.

Results

In total, 137 well-balanced pairs were obtained. There were no cases of 30-day mortality in the entire cohort. Conversion to thoracotomy was required more frequently in the VATS group (VATS 6.6% vs. robotic 0.7%, p=0.008). The complete resection rate (VATS 97.8% vs. robotic 98.5%, p=1.000) and postoperative complication rate (VATS 17.5% vs. robotic 19.0%, p=0.874) were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The robotic group showed a slightly shorter hospital stay (VATS 5.8±3.9 days vs. robotic 5.0±3.6 days, p=0.052). N2 nodal upstaging (cN0/pN2) was more common in the robotic group than the VATS group, but without statistical significance (VATS 4% vs. robotic 12%, p=0.077).

Conclusion

Robotic anatomical resection in lung cancer showed comparable early outcomes when compared to VATS. In particular, robotic resection presented a lower conversion-to-thoracotomy rate. Furthermore, a robotic approach might improve lymph node harvesting in the N2 station.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy versus open lobectomy in the treatment of large lung cancer: propensity-score matched analysis

Background

There are several concerns on thoracoscopic surgery for large tumors because of the increased risk of tumor cell spillage. This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and oncological validity between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with tumor size > 5 cm.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 355 patients who underwent lobectomy with clinical N0 NSCLC with solid tumor component diameter > 5 cm between January 2009 and December 2016. Patients with tumor invading adjacent structures were excluded. The patients were divided into the VATS group (n = 132) and thoracotomy group (n = 223). Propensity score matching (1:1) was applied.

Results

After propensity score matching, 204 patients were matched, and clinical characteristics of the two groups were well balanced. The VATS group was associated with a shorter length of hospital stay (6 days vs. 7 days; P < 0.001) than the thoracotomy group. There were no significant differences in the 5-year overall survival (71.5% in VATS vs. 64.4% in thoracotomy, P = 0.390) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (60.1% in VATS vs. 51.5% in thoracotomy, P = 0.210) between the two groups. The cumulative incidence of ipsilateral pleural recurrence was not significantly different between the two groups (12.0% in VATS vs. 7.9% in thoracotomy; P = 0.582).

Conclusions

In clinical N0 NSCLC larger than 5 cm, VATS lobectomy resulted in shorter hospital stay and similar survival outcome compared to open lobectomy. Based on these results, VATS lobectomy is a valuable option in this subset of patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-021-01749-8.

[A Nomogram for Prediction of Complications Based on TM&M System of VATS Major Lung Surgery for Lung Cancer]

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complications are an important cause of death after lung resection. At present, the adoption of video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lung cancer in China is increasing every year, but the prediction model of postoperative complications of VATS for lung cancer is still lack of evidence based on large sample database. In this study, Thoracic Mortality and Morbidity (TM&M) classification system was used to comprehensively describe the postoperative complications of VATS major lung resection in our center, and the prediction model of complications was established and verified. The model can provide basis for the prevention and intervention of postoperative complications in such patients, and accelerate the recovery of patients.

METHODS

The clinical data of patients underwent VATS major lung resection in our center from January 2007 to December 2018 were collected retrospectively. Only patients with stage I-III lung cancer were included. The postoperative complications were registered strictly by TM&M classification system. The patients were divided into two groups according to the operation period: the early phase group (From 2007 to 2012) and the late phase group (From 2013 to 2018). The baseline data of the two groups were matched by propensity score matching. After matching, binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish the prediction model of complications, and bootstrap internal sampling was used for internal verification.

RESULTS

A total of 2,881 patients with lung cancer were included in the study, with an average age of (61.0±10.1) years, including 180 major complications (6.2%). Binary Logistic regression analysis of 1,268 matched patients showed: age (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.02-1.06, P<0.001), other period (OR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.49-0.79, P<0.001), pathological type (OR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.24-2.41, P=0.001), blood loss (OR=1.001, 95%CI: 1.000-1.003, P=0.03), dissected lymph nodes (OR=1.022, 95%CI: 1.00-1.04, P=0.005) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. The ROC curve indicates that the model has good discrimination (C-index=0.699), and the C-index is 0.680 verified by bootstrap internal sampling for 1,000 times. The calibration curve shows a good calibration of the prediction model.

CONCLUSIONS

TM&M system can comprehensively and accurately report the postoperative complications of thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery. Age, operative period, pathological type, intraoperative bleeding and dissected lymph nodes were independent risk factors for postoperative complications of VATS major lung resection for lung cancer. The established complication prediction model has good discrimination and calibration.

Risk factors for surgical complications after anatomic lung resections in the era of VATS and ERAS

Background

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for surgical complications after anatomic lung resections in the era of video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all consecutive adult patients who underwent elective anatomic lung resections between January and December 2020 at our institution was performed.

Results

Eighty patients (40 VATS, 40 thoracotomy) were included. The 30‐day mortality rate was 1.3%. The overall rate of major postoperative complications was 18.8%. Most major complications occurred in patients who underwent open surgery (complication rate 32.5%, share of total complications 86.7%). Major morbidity after VATS resection was rare (complication rate 2.5%, share of total complications 13.3%). In univariable analysis, thoracotomy (p = 0.003), impaired preoperative lung function (p = 0.003), complex surgery (p = 0.004) and sleeve resection (p = 0.037) were associated with adverse outcomes. In multivariable analysis, thoracotomy (p = 0.044) and impaired preoperative lung function (p = 0.028) were the only independent risk factors for major postoperative morbidity.

Conclusion

Thoracotomy was associated with a 10‐fold increased risk for postoperative complications compared with minimally invasive surgery and was an independent risk factor for surgical complications. In the era of VATS and ERAS, the fact that thoracotomy is performed may be a reliable parameter to identify patients at risk for postoperative complications.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery sleeve resection and bronchoplasty using 3D imaging system: its safety and efficacy

Background

Video-assisted thoracic surgery sleeve resection with bronchial anastomosis or bronchoplasty is a technically demanding procedure. Three-dimensional endoscopic surgery has been reported to be helpful in decreasing operation time and improving spatial perception with less surgical errors, but there have been rare reports about relatively difficult thoracoscopic procedures utilizing 3D thoracoscope. We performed this study to evaluate early clinical outcomes of thoracoscopic sleeve resection and bronchoplasty utilizing 3D thoracoscope.

Methods

Data from a total of 36 patients who underwent thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy or bronchoplasty at our institution from December 2015 to October 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Three-port approach with one utility incision was used with a 10 mm, 30° three-dimensional thoracoscope. Twenty-three patients (81%) were male, and mean age was 65.9 ± 9.4 years. Fourteen patients (38.9%) underwent sleeve resection with bronchial anastomosis, 22 (61.1%) underwent wedge or simple bronchoplasty, and one patient received concomitant PA procedure. Bronchial anastomosis sites were not covered with viable tissue flaps.

Results

There was no (0%) suture needle injury from spatial misperception during bronchoplasty or sleeve anastomosis. There was no (0%) operative mortality. The pathologic report revealed squamous cell carcinoma (63.9%), adenocarcinoma (19.4%), carcinoid (6.9%), adenosquamous carcinoma (3.4%), and sarcomatoid carcinoma (2.8%). One (2.8%) late mortality was due to systemic recurrence of sarcomatoid carcinoma. There was no (0.0%) anastomotic failure. The mean number of dissected lymph nodes were 27.4 ± 13.2, and mean operation time was 216.8 ± 60.0 min. Median postoperative 24-h drain amount was 315 mL. Median chest tube days and hospital days were 4 and 6, respectively. Two patients (5.6%) had complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade II—one case of ARDS, and the other case of a delayed bronchopleural fistula.

Conclusions

Thoracoscopic sleeve resection and bronchoplasty utilizing HD 3D thoracoscope is a safe and effective procedure with excellent early clinical outcomes. Further investigation for long-term outcomes will be needed.

Development of a 3D Printed Lung Model Made of Synthetic Materials for Simulation

BACKGROUND

 Considering the complexity of lung structures and the difficulty of thoracoscopic surgery, simulation-based training is of paramount importance for junior surgeons. Here, we aim to design a high-fidelity lung model through utilizing the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology combined with synthetic materials to mimic the real human lung.

METHODS

 The 3D printed lung model was manufactured based on the computed tomography images of a randomly selected male patient. Synthetic materials were used for the construction of lung parenchyma, blood vessels, and bronchi. Then, the model was assessed in terms of its visual, tactile, and operational features by participants (the senior surgeons, junior surgeons, and medical students), who were asked to complete the specially designed survey-questionnaires.

RESULTS

 A 3D printed model of the right lung made of synthetic materials was successfully fabricated. Thirty subjects participated in our study (10 senior surgeons, 10 junior surgeons, and 10 medical students). The average visual evaluation scores for senior surgeons, junior surgeons, and medical students were 3.97 ± 0.61, 4.56 ± 0.58, 4.76 ± 0.49, respectively. The average tactile evaluation scores were 3.40 ± 0.50, 4.13 ± 0.68, 4.00 ± 0.64, respectively. The average operation evaluation scores were 3.33 ± 0.83, 3.93 ± 0.66, 4.03 ± 0.66, respectively. Significant lower scores were obtained in the group of the senior surgeons compared with the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

 A high level of fidelity was exhibited in our 3D printed lung model and it could be applied as a promising simulator for the surgical training in the future.

Management of Complications Following Lung Resection

Lung resections are associated with a variety of potential postoperative complications. Not surprisingly, pulmonary complications are most frequent after lung surgery. Cardiac and thromboembolic complications are also important. It is essential that surgeons anticipate the possibility of these complications and take preventative measures whenever possible. When complications do occur, prompt recognition and treatment is required to assure optimal patient outcomes.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been established as the surgical approach of choice for lobectomy in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with clinical stage I NSCLC with no lymph node metastasis are considered candidates for VATS lobectomy. To rule out the presence of metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs, patients should undergo meticulous clinical staging. Assessing patients' functional status is required to ensure that there are no medical contraindications, such as impaired pulmonary function or cardiac comorbidities. Although various combinations of the number, size, and location of ports are available, finding the best method of port placement for each surgeon is fundamental to maximize the efficiency of the surgical procedure. When conducting VATS lobectomy, it is always necessary to comply with the following oncological principles: (1) the vessels and bronchus of the target lobe should be individually divided, (2) systematic lymph node dissection is mandatory, and (3) touching the lymph node itself and rupturing the capsule of the lymph node should be minimized. Most surgeons conduct the procedure in the following sequence: (1) dissection along the hilar structure, (2) fissure division, (3) perivascular and peribronchial dissection, (4) individual division of the vessels and bronchus, (5) specimen retrieval, and (6) mediastinal lymph node dissection. Surgeons should obtain experience in enhancing the exposure of the dissection target and facilitating dissection. This review article provides the basic principles of the surgical techniques and practical maneuvers for performing VATS lobectomy easily, safely, and efficiently.

Clinical guide to perioperative management for videothoracoscopy lung resection (Section of Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Anesthesia, SEDAR; Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery, SECT; Spanish Society of Physiotherapy)

The introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) techniques has led to a new approach in thoracic surgery. VATS is performed by inserting a thoracoscope through a small incisions in the chest wall, thus maximizing the preservation of muscle and tissue. Because of its low rate of morbidity and mortality, VATS is currently the technique of choice in most thoracic procedures. Lung resection by VATS reduces prolonged air leaks, arrhythmia, pneumonia, postoperative pain and inflammatory markers. This reduction in postoperative complications shortens hospital length of stay, and is particularly beneficial in high-risk patients with low tolerance to thoracotomy. Compared with conventional thoracotomy, the oncological results of VATS surgery are similar or even superior to those of open surgery. This aim of this multidisciplinary position statement produced by the thoracic surgery working group of the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology and Reanimation (SEDAR), the Spanish Society of Thoracic Surgery (SECT), and the Spanish Association of Physiotherapy (AEF) is to standardize and disseminate a series of perioperative anaesthesia management guidelines for patients undergoing VATS lung resection surgery. Each recommendation is based on an in-depth review of the available literature by the authors. In this document, the care of patients undergoing VATS surgery is organized in sections, starting with the surgical approach, and followed by the three pillars of anaesthesia management: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anaesthesia.

Worse outcomes after conversion of thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Conversion of thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer to thoracotomy can adversely affect short-term outcomes, but the impact on long-term outcomes is unknown. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for conversion and to determine the influence of conversion on the outcomes of lung cancer treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 1002 consecutive patients with lung cancer who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy between 7 June 1999 and 17 July 2018. The groups of patients with and without conversion were compared in terms of possible risk factors and the short- and long-term outcomes. The survival of patients was analysed by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Conversion was done in 105 patients (10.5%). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the independent risk factors for conversion were pleural adhesions (P < 0.001) and mediastinal lymph node metastases (P < 0.001). Compared with the non-conversion group, the conversion group had longer chest drainage time (4 vs 3 days, P < 0.001) and hospital stay (8 vs 6 days, P < 0.001); more frequent complications (38.1% vs 27.1%, P = 0.018), including red blood cell transfusion (10.5% vs 2%, P < 0.001) and supraventricular arrhythmia (13.3% vs 7.5%, P = 0.037); and lower 5-year survival rate in patients with stage I lung cancer (70% vs 87%, P = 0.014). Conversion did not increase in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Pleural adhesions and lymph node metastases increased the probability of conversion to thoracotomy. Conversion adversely affected the short-term outcomes of thoracoscopic lobectomy. Long-term outcomes of treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer could be worse in patients after conversion, but definitive conclusions cannot be made in this regard because of the absence of control of selection bias.

Comparative Effectiveness of Surgical Approaches for Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

The magnitude of association and quality of evidence comparing surgical approaches for lung cancer resection has not been analyzed. This has resulted in conflicting information regarding the relative superiority of the different approaches and disparate opinions on the optimal surgical treatment. We reviewed and systematically analyzed all published data comparing near- (30-d) and long-term mortality for minimally invasive to open surgical approaches for lung cancer.

METHODS

Comprehensive search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library, from January 2009 to August 2019, was performed to identify the studies and those that passed bias assessment were included in the analysis utilizing propensity score matching techniques. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects and fixed-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the ROBINS-I tool. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020150923) prior to analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 1382 publications were identified but 19 studies were included encompassing 47,054 patients after matching. Minimally invasive techniques were found to be superior with respect to near-term mortality in early and advanced-stage lung cancer (risk ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.21-0.95, I2 = 0%) as well as for elderly patients (odds ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.31-0.65, I2 = 30%), but did not demonstrate benefit for high-risk patients (odds ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.06-8.73, I2 = 78%). However, no difference was found in long-term survival.

CONCLUSIONS

We performed the first systematic review and meta-analysis to compare surgical approaches for lung cancer which indicated that minimally invasive techniques may be superior to thoracotomy in near-term mortality, but there is no difference in long-term outcomes.

The association of nodal upstaging with surgical approach and its impact on long-term survival after resection of non-small-cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

Proponents of open thoracotomy (OPEN) and robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) claim its oncological superiority over video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in terms of the accuracy of lymph node staging.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) undergoing lobectomy without neoadjuvant therapy from 2010 to 2014. Nodal upstaging rates were compared using a surgical approach. Overall survival adjusted for confounding variables was examined using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 64 676 patients fulfilled the selection criteria. The number of patients who underwent lobectomy by RATS, VATS and OPEN approaches was 5470 (8.5%), 17 545 (27.1%) and 41 661 (64.4%), respectively. The mean number of lymph nodes examined for each of these approaches was 10.9, 11.3 and 10 (P < 0.01) and upstaging rates were 11.2%, 11.7% and 12.6% (P < 0.01), respectively. For patients with clinical stage I disease (N = 46 826; RATS = 4338, VATS = 13 416 and OPEN = 29 072), the mean lymph nodes examined were 10.6, 10.8 and 9.4 (P < 0.01), and upstaging rates were 10.8%, 11.1% and 12.1% (P < 0.01), respectively. A multivariable analysis suggested an association with improved survival with RATS and VATS compared with OPEN surgery [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.89 and 0.89, respectively; P < 0.01] for patients with all stages. In stage I disease, VATS but not RATS was associated with increased overall survival compared with the OPEN approach (HR = 0.81; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

RATS lobectomy is not superior to VATS lobectomy with respect to lymph node yield or upstaging of NSCLC. Increased nodal upstaging by the OPEN approach does not confer a survival advantage in any stage of NSCLC and may be associated with decreased overall survival.

Seven-year follow-up of persistent postsurgical pain in cardiac surgery patients: A prospective observational study of prevalence and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to describe the long-term prevalence, risk factors and impact on quality of life of persistent postsurgical pain (PPP) following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

All patients undergoing sternotomy in a single centre over 6 months were prospectively interviewed by telephone at six months and seven years following surgery.

RESULTS

We analysed data from 174 patients at six months and 146 patients at seven years following surgery, revealing a PPP prevalence of 39.7% (n = 69) and 9.6% (n = 14) respectively. At six post-operative months, younger age, higher acute pain score, intraoperative remifentanil infusion and more prolonged surgery were associated with sternotomy-site PPP. These variables, in combination, predict PPP in this study group with area under the receiver operating curve of 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.94) at 6 months and 0.74 (95% CI 0.57-0.86) at 7 years. Quality of life scores were significantly lower with PPP (median change in EQ-5D score = -0.23 [-0.57, -0.09] compared to 0.00 [0-0.24] without PPP at 7 years, p < 0.001). At7 years, younger age, prolonged surgery and intraoperative remifentanil infusion were associated with sternotomy-site PPP.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the longest follow-up of PPP across all surgical specialities and certainly within cardiac surgery. Prevalence of PPP and impact on QOL after cardiac surgery are high and associated with young age, high acute pain score, use of remifentanil and long operative time. We present a predictive score to highlight patients at risk of developing PPP.

SIGNIFICANCE

Seven years after cardiac surgery, almost 10% of patients in this cohort described persistent pain in and around the incision. While higher than previous reports in the literature (limited to up to five post-operative years), this assessment was made following three maximal coughs and therefore is movement or function evoked. High incident of persistent postsurgical pain may adversely affect long-term quality of life which is measured using a validated tool.

Robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using multiport triangular trocar configuration: initial experience at a single center

Background

Recent developments in robotic technology have brought significant changes in robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (r-VATS) worldwide, particularly including the treatment in the thorax for the mediastinal, esophagus, and pulmonary lesions. Currently, there are only a few reports describing the procedural experience and outcomes with r-VATS. The objective of this study is to provide our initial experience using r-VATS at a single center, with specific attention to safety, efficacy, and procedural details.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent a newly modified r-VATS procedure for various surgical operations at the thoracic department of our hospital, from July 2018 to January 2020. Multiport trocars were placed in the classic triangular arrangement as in conventional VATS (c-VATS) but with modifications based on the type of surgery. The peri- and postoperative outcomes such as duration of surgery, complications, and duration of hospital stay for these patients were reported.

Results

Overall, 142 patients underwent r-VATS for lobectomy (66), wedge resection (15), thymectomy (22), mediastinal tumor resection (30), pneumonectomy (4), transthoracic esophagectomy (1), esophageal tumor resection or esophageal diverticulum repair (2), diaphragm plication (1), and mediastinal tumor resection plus thymectomy (1). For the entire cohort, the median operative time was 110 min, and the median length of hospital stay was 5 days. Conversion to open thoracic surgery was reported only in a total of 3 (2.1%) patients of pneumonectomy (1.4%) and mediastinal tumor resection (0.70%). All our patients were managed successfully with no postoperative complications and mortality.

Conclusion

Our method of r-VATS was found to be safe and effective and may be applied to different surgical operations. Adequate and proper training of thoracic surgeons is immediately needed for the transition from c-VATS to r-VATS. The utility and advantages of triangular trocar configuration for r-VATS require further refinement and research before it can be routinely adopted in clinical practice.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.

Effect of thoracic surgery regionalization on long-term survival after lung cancer resection

OBJECTIVE

Existing evidence demonstrates some benefit of regionalization on early postoperative outcomes following lung cancer resection, but data regarding the persistence of this effect in long-term mortality are lacking. We investigated whether previously reported improvements in short-term outcomes translated to long-term survival benefit.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing major pulmonary resection (lobectomy, bilobectomy, or pneumonectomy) for cancer within our integrated health care system before (2011-2013; n = 782) and after (2015-2017; n = 845) thoracic surgery regionalization. Overall survival was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and 1- and 3-year mortality was compared by the by χ² or Fisher exact test. Multivariable Cox regression models evaluated the effect of regionalization on mortality adjusted for relevant factors.

RESULTS

Kaplan-Meier curves showed that overall survival was better among patients undergoing surgery postregionalization (log-rank test, P < .0001). Both 1- and 3-year mortality were decreased after regionalization: to 5.7% from 11.1% (P < .0001) for 1 year and to 17.0% from 25.5% (P = .0002) for 3 years. The multivariable adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that only regionalization (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42-0.76), age (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04), cancer stage (HR, 1.72, 1.83, and 2.56 for stages II, III, and IV, respectively), and Charlson comorbidity index (HR, 1.80 for 1-2; 2.05 for ≥3) were independent predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that overall mortality as well as 1- and 3-year mortality for lung cancer resection were lower after thoracic surgery regionalization. The association between regionalization and reduced mortality was significant even after adjusting for other related factors in a multivariable Cox analysis. Notably, surgeon volume, facility volume, surgeon specialty, neoadjuvant treatment, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery approach did not significantly affect mortality in the adjusted model.

Uniportal and three-portal video-assisted thoracic surgery pulmonary lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer (UNIT trial): study protocol of a single-center randomized trial

Background

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is currently the recommended approach for treating early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Different VATS approaches have been proposed so far, and the actual advantages of one technique over the other are still under debate. The aim of our study is to compare postoperative pain and analgesic drug consumption in uniportal VATS and triportal VATS for pulmonary lobectomy in early-stage lung cancer patients.

Methods

This study is a single-center, prospective, two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. It is designed to compare uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (u-VATS) and three-port video-assisted thoracic surgery (t-VATS) in terms of postoperative pain. The trial will enroll 120 patients with a 1:1 randomization. The primary outcome is the assessment of analgesic drug consumption. Secondary outcomes are postoperative pain measurement, evaluation of postoperative pulmonary function, and metabolic recovery after pulmonary lobectomy.

Discussion

The choice of which VATS approach to adopt for treating patients undergoing pulmonary resection mostly depends on the surgeon’s preferences; therefore, it is hard to prove whether one VATS technique is superior to the other. Moreover, postoperative analgesic protocols vary consistently among different centers. To date, only a few studies have evaluated the effects of the most popular VATS techniques. There is no evidence about the difference between multiport VATS and u-VATS in terms of postoperative pain. We hope that the results of our trial will provide valuable information on the outcomes of these different surgical approaches.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03240250. Registered on 07 August 2017; retrospectively registered.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05115-w.

Continuous erector spinae plane block versus intercostal nerve block in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Background

The optimal analgesia method in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) remains controversial. Intercostal nerve blockade (ICNB) is limited by its duration of action. The erector spinae plane (ESP) block has the potential to provide satisfactory analgesia for VATS; however, the effectiveness of continuous ESP versus surgeon-performed ICNB has not been investigated. The objectives of this study were to establish feasibility of patient recruitment and follow-up before undertaking a fully powered randomized controlled trial (RCT); and, secondarily, to compare opioid usage, pain control, and sensory blockade.

Methods

This feasibility RCT was undertaken at St Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and included 24 patients (>18 years) having elective VATS with at least one overnight stay. Exclusion criteria were patient refusal, body mass index >40 kg/m², contraindications to neuraxial analgesia techniques as per the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain guidelines, known allergy to local anesthetics, language or comprehension barriers, procedures with a higher chance of open surgery, and regular opioid use for ≥3 months preoperatively. Patients underwent either continuous ESP (n=12) or surgeon-performed ICNB (n=12). All patients received routine intraoperative anesthesia care and multimodal analgesia. Feasibility criteria were recruitment rate of two patients/week and full follow-up in all patients in-hospital. We compared opioid consumption, postoperative pain scores (0–10 numerical rating scale), adverse events, patient satisfaction, and distribution of sensory blockade as clinical outcomes (secondary).

Results

Feasibility of primary outcomes was successfully demonstrated. Five patients had an epidural in anticipation of open surgery. Mean opioid consumption as equivalent morphine units was less in the ESP group over the first 24 h (mean difference, 1.63 [95% CI –1.20 to 4.45]) and 48 h (mean difference, 2.34 [95% CI –1.93 to 6.61]). There were no differences in adverse effects.

Conclusions

A fully powered RCT is feasible with modifications. Our results also suggest that continuous ESP is safe and can decrease opioid needs. However, it is important to consider procedures to improve compliance to protocol and adherence to assigned interventions.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03176667. Registered June 5, 2017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40814-021-00801-7.

A narrative review of invasive diagnostics and treatment of early lung cancer

The diagnosis and treatment of early-stage lung cancer remains a clinical challenge. The broadening implementation of lung cancer screening has resulted in positive findings in numerous patients that are mostly non-malignant. Many other patients have indeterminate nodules that are difficult to assess through simple observation. The critical interpretation of such screening results remains a challenge for radiologists and multidisciplinary teams involved in screening for lung cancer. The evaluation and diagnosis of each participant suspected for malignancy should be based on the basic clinical principles such as a carefully collected medical history, physical examination, and detailed analysis of all imaging tests performed. Indeed, the decision to go ahead with more invasive diagnostics requires consideration of the both the risks and benefits, with reflection upon the complete clinical and radiological picture. Although transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy remains the first-choice method of diagnosis, several newer technologies have slowly begun to emerge as potential replacements. The guiding strategy for method selection is to choose the least harmful approach that offers the most relevant potential insights. Transthoracic biopsy is an effective method that allows the collection of cytological and tissue material from small, peripheral tumors, but it carries a moderate risk of complications. Bronchofiberoscopy, especially in combination with electromagnetic navigation, fluoroscopy or radial EBUS, also allows effective diagnosis of the peripheral pulmonary nodules. One of the most important diagnostic methods is the EBUS examination, which allows determining of staging in addition to diagnosis. Anatomical lung lobe resection and lymphadenectomy or sampling of the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes is currently the treatment of choice for patients with stage I and II non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but sublobar resections are recommended when a patient has limited pulmonary function or other significant comorbidities. Notably, several studies have highlighted the potential utility of more limited resections in small malignant lesions less than 2cm in diameter, with pure AIS histology, when more than 50% of the diameter of pulmonary nodule has ground-glass opacity (GGO) attenuation on CT, or long volume doubling time (VDT). Videothoracoscopy is the preferred surgical approach for resection of early-stage lung cancer. Patients who are not candidates for surgery or do not agree to surgery can be offered radical radiotherapy. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a type of radical radiotherapy with proven effectiveness, a high rate of local control and an acceptable risk of the development of later complications. Future trials are expected to define the role of SBRT in the treatment of early lung cancer in healthy subjects.

A meta-analysis of minimally invasive surgery versus thoracotomy for centrally located non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Surgery is established as the most effective treatment for central lung cancer. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is gaining popularity. The decision of whether surgical treatment of central lung cancer should be minimally invasive or a conventional thoracotomy is a critical decision for the thoracic surgeon. However, whether MIS is more advantageous than other surgical treatments for central lung cancer. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term results of MIS and conventional thoracotomy in patients with central lung cancer.

Methods

This meta-analysis was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Searches for relevant studies were conducted in strict accordance with research protocols detailed in the Cochrane handbook. The primary endpoints for comparison between the two surgical methods were perioperative and long-term survival. A 95% confidence interval (CI) for relative risk (RR)/mean difference (MD) was calculated to assess the strength of the correlation.

Results

Nine studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were eventually included in this meta-analysis. These studies involved a total of 5,869 patients [MIS, n =1,140 versus thoracotomy (TH), n =4,729]. The 3- and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and the 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) were similar for the MIS and TH groups [OR: 0.86 (95% CI: 0.51–1.43); P=0.55; OR: 1.01 (95% CI: 0.43–2.36); P=0.99, OR: 0.91 (95% CI: 0.78–1.05); P=0.18; OR: 0.90 (95% CI: 0.77–1.06); P=0.22; OR: 0.95 (95% CI: 0.25–1.53); P=0.30]. A subgroup analysis of 8 articles revealed no statistical difference in the pathological type of non-small cell lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma) between the two groups [OR: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.89–1.09); P =0.81]. However, the MIS group had a lower incidence of blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and fewer complications [MD: −46.25 (95% CI: −85.05 to −7.46); P=0.02; MD: −1.93 (95% CI: −3.15 to −0.7); P=0.002; MD: 0.73 (95% CI: 0.61–0.88); P=0.001].

Conclusions

MIS was shown to be a more effective option to conventional thoracotomy for the treatment of central lung cancer.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Sleeve Lobectomy for Centrally Located Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy could be an alternative to traditional thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy in treating centrally located non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted the first meta-analysis to compare the effects of VATS sleeve lobectomy with thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy.

METHODS

We systematically searched relevant studies from Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science on May 12, 2020. Data for analysis included short-term outcomes (blood loss, lymph node dissected, operation time, hospital stay, complications) and long-term outcomes (3-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) rates). We calculated the weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous data and risk ratio (RR) for pooling categorical data.

RESULTS

We finally included 5 retrospective cohort study consisting of 436 patients. VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded significantly less blood loss (WMD =  -37.83; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) = [-58.56, -17.11]; P < 0.001) than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy and comparable total number of dissected lymph node to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD =  - 0.07; 95%CI = [-1.14, 0.99]; P = 0.89). However, VATS sleeve lobectomy consumed significantly more operation time than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD = 49.00; 95%CI = [14.67, 83.34]; P = 0.005). VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded significantly less postoperative hospital stay time than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (WMD =   -1.68; 95%CI = [-2.98, -0.39]; P = 0.011) and comparable postoperative complication rate to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy (RR = 0.84; 95%CI = [0.49, 1.44]; P = 0.52). Moreover, VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded comparable 3-year OS (RR = 1.08; 95%CI = [0.95, 1.22]; P = 0.23) and PFS (RR = 1.15; 95%CI = [0.96, 1.37]; P = 0.13) rates to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy. No significant heterogeneities were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS sleeve lobectomy yielded less surgical trauma than thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy and improved postoperative recovery without compromising oncological prognosis. Even though VATS sleeve lobectomy may consume more operation time, it could be recommended as an alternative to thoracotomy sleeve lobectomy for treating centrally located NSCLC in carefully selected cases.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy might be a feasible alternative for surgically resectable pathological N2 non-small cell lung cancer patients

Background

The majority of previous studies of the clinical outcome of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) versus open lobectomy for pathological N2 non‐small cell lung cancer (pN2 NSCLC) have been single‐center experiences with small patient numbers. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate these procedures but in a large cohort of Chinese patients with pathological N2 NSCLC in real‐world conditions.

Methods

Patients who underwent lobectomy for pN2 NSCLC by either VATS or thoracotomy were retrospectively reviewed from 10 tertiary hospitals between January 2014 and September 2017. Perioperative outcomes and overall survival of the patients were analyzed. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify potential prognostic factors. Propensity‐score analysis was performed to reduce cofounding biases and compare the clinical outcomes between both groups.

Results

Among 2144 pN2 NSCLC, 1244 patients were managed by VATS and 900 by open procedure. A total of 305 (24.5%) and 344 patients died during VATS and the thoracotomy group during a median follow‐up of 16.7 and 15.6 months, respectively. VATS lobectomy patients had better overall survival when compared with those undergoing the open procedure (P < 0.0001). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed VATS lobectomy independently favored overall survival (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.621–0.896, P = 0.0017). Better perioperative outcomes, including less blood loss, shorter drainage time and hospital stay, were also observed in patients undergoing VATS lobectomy (P < 0.05). After propensity‐score matching, 169 patients in each group were analyzed, and no survival difference were found between the two groups. Less blood loss was observed in the VATS group, but there was a longer operation time.

Conclusions

VATS lobectomy might be a feasible alternative to conventional open surgery for resectable pN2 NSCLC.

Key points

Significant findings of the study: VATS lobectomy has comparative OS in pN2 NSCLC versus open procedure in resectable patients.

What this study adds: VATS lobectomy might be feasible for pN2 NSCLC.

What counts more: the patient, the surgical technique, or the hospital? A multivariable analysis of factors affecting perioperative complications of pulmonary lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery from a large nationwide registry

OBJECTIVES

Inherent technical aspects of pulmonary lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may limit surgeons' ability to deal with factors predisposing to complications. We analysed complication rates after VATS lobectomy in a prospectively maintained nationwide registry.

METHODS

The registry was queried for all consecutive VATS lobectomy procedures from 49 Italian Thoracic Units. Baseline condition, tumour features, surgical techniques, devices, postoperative care, complications, conversions and the reasons thereof were detailed. Univariable and multivariable regressions were used to assess factors potentially linked to complications.

RESULTS

Four thousand one hundred and ninety-one VATS lobectomies in 4156 patients (2480 men, 1676 women) were analysed. The median age-adjusted Charlson index of the patients was 4 (interquartile range 3-6). Grade 1 and 2 and Grade 3-5 complications were observed in 20.1% and in 5.8%, respectively. Ninety-day mortality was 0.55%. The overall conversion rate was 9.2% and significantly higher in low-volume centres (<100 cases, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between intermediate- and high-volume centres under this aspect. Low-volume centres were significantly more likely to convert due to issues with difficult local anatomy, but not significantly so for bleeding. Conversion, lower case-volume, comorbidity burden, male gender, adhesions, blood loss, operative time, sealants and epidural analgesia were significantly associated with increased postoperative morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

VATS lobectomy is a safe procedure even in medically compromised patients. An improved classification system for conversions is proposed and prevention strategies are suggested to reduce conversion rates and possibly complications in less-experienced centres.

Long-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for clinical N1 non-small cell lung cancer: A propensity score-weighted comparison with open thoracotomy

OBJECTIVES

Although the video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach has been accepted as a safe and effective alternative to lobectomy, its advantage remains unclear in advanced-stage lung cancer. This study is aimed to evaluate the feasibility and long-term outcomes of VATS in lung cancer with clinical N1 (cN1) disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1149 consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy for cN1 disease from 2006 to 2016. Perioperative outcomes and long-term survival rates were compared using a propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) technique.

RESULTS

We performed VATS and open thoracotomy for 500 and 649 patients, respectively. All preoperative characteristics became similar between the two groups after IPTW adjustment. Compared to thoracotomy, VATS was associated with shorter hospitalization (7.7 days vs. 9.2 days, p < 0.001), earlier adjuvant chemotherapy (41.7 days vs. 46.6 days, p = 0.028), similar complete resection rates (95.2 % vs. 94.0 %, p = 0.583), and equivalent dissected lymph nodes (27.5 vs. 27.8, p = 0.704). On IPTW-adjusted analysis, overall survival (OS) (59.4 % vs. 60.3 %, p = 0.588) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (59.2 % vs. 56.9 %, p = 0.651) at 5 years were also similar between the two groups. Multivariable Cox analysis revealed that VATS was not a significant prognostic factor for cN1 disease (p = 0.764 for OS and p = 0.879 for RFS).

CONCLUSIONS

VATS lobectomy is feasible for patients with cN1 disease, providing comparable perioperative outcomes, oncologic efficacy, and long-term outcomes as open thoracotomy.

Postoperative Short-term Outcomes Between Sublobar Resection and Lobectomy in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma

Background

To investigate postoperative temporary consequences of the enrolled patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed the clinical data of patients with lung adenocarcinoma admitted by the same surgical team of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) from July 2019 to December 2019. Statistical methods including propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to analyze the differences among them.

Results

A total of 108 patients were enrolled, including 50 patients with sublobar resection and 58 patients with lobectomy. Before PSM, there were statistically significant differences in age (p=0.015), hospitalization costs (p=0.042), lymphadenectomy (p=0.000), pathological staging (p=0.000), number of lymph nodes removed (p=0.000), number of positive lymph nodes (p=0.034), chest drainage duration (p=0.000), total chest drainage (p=0.000), length of postoperative hospital stays (p=0.000), postoperative D-dimer level (p=0.030) and perioperative lymphocyte margin (LM) (p=0.003) between sublobar resection and lobectomy. After PSM, there were statistical differences in number of lymph nodes removed (p=0.000), chest drainage duration (p=0.031) and total chest drainage (p=0.002) between sublobar resection and lobectomy. Whether with PSM analysis or not, there were no significant differences in other blood test results, such as inflammation indicators, postoperative neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), albumin level, perioperative activity of daily living (ADL) scale scoring margin, complications, postoperative admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and readmission within 30 days. NLR was associated with total chest drainage (p=0.000), length of postoperative hospital stays (p=0.000), postoperative D-dimer level (p=0.050) and ADL scale scoring margin (p=0.003) between sublobar resection and lobectomy.

Conclusion

Sublobar resection, including wedge resection and segmentectomy, was as safe and feasible as lobectomy in our study, and they shared similar short-term outcomes. Postoperative NLR could be used to detect the clinical outcomes of patients. Secondary resectability of pulmonary function (SRPF) should be the main purpose of sublobar resection.

Uniportal versus multiportal thoracoscopic lobectomy: Ergonomic evaluation and perioperative outcomes from a randomized and controlled trial

BACKGROUND

To compare perioperative outcomes and surgeon physical and mental stress when performing lobectomy through uniportal and multiportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) on patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients aged 41 to 73 years with resectable NSCLC were randomly assigned via a computer-generated randomisation sequence to receive either uniportal VATS (UVATS) or multiportal VATS (MVATS) lobectomy and lymphadenectomy between December 2015 and October 2016. Overall, we randomly assigned 35 patients to the UVATS and 34 to the MVATS group. Patients and the investigators undertaking interventions, assessing short-term outcomes, performing ergonomic evaluations, and analyzing data were not masked to group assignment.

RESULTS

Patient demographics of the 2 groups were comparable. The ergonomic evaluation considered eye blink rate and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), better results were observed in UVATS than in MVATS. The operative time, number of lymph nodes harvested, chest tube duration, length of hospital stay, and lung function were not significantly different between the groups. Compared with MVATS lobectomy, UVATS lobectomy was associated with less intraoperative blood loss and less volume of total drainage in the 24 hours. No conversion, no reoperation, and no in-hospital mortality occurred in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

UVATS lobectomy is a safe and programmable technique with some better perioperative outcomes and ergonomic results than MVATS. Further studies based on large numbers of patients and with long-term follow-up are required to confirm its benefits towards patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID:NCT02462356. Registered May 27, 2015.