Open thoracotomy versus VATS versus RATS for segmentectomy: a systematic review & Bayesian network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent trials suggest that more conservative resections such as segmentectomy are non-inferior to more radical approaches. Most segmentectomy can be safely performed using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). The clinical benefits of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) remain unclear. We aimed to perform a systematic review evaluating the outcome of open thoracotomy, VATS, and RATS for segmentectomy.

METHODS

A systematic database search was conducted of original articles exploring the outcome of open versus VATS versus RATS segmentectomy in PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were hospital readmission, air leak, and post-operative pneumonia respectively.

RESULTS

11 studies were included with a total patient sample size of 7280. There were no differences between the three approaches in terms of 30-day mortality, hospital readmission, air leak, and post-operative pneumonia.

CONCLUSION

There are no significant differences between the three approaches in the clinical outcomes measured. While our analysis demonstrates the potential benefits of RATS, it is important to note that the steep learning curve associated with this technique may impact its wider adoption and efficacy in the community. Further randomised control studies are required to compare the short and long terms results of VATS and RATS approaches.

A Comparative Analysis of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Thoracotomy in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Terms of Their Oncological Efficacy in Resection: A Systematic Review

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is considered the standard procedure for surgical resection in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is still lingering speculation on its adequacy of lymph node (LN) dissection or sampling and the long-term survival benefits when compared to open thoracotomy. Given the above, we conducted a systematic review comparing VATS and thoracotomy in terms of their oncological effectiveness in resection. We explored major research literature databases and search engines such as MEDLINE, PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate to find pertinent articles. After the meticulous screening, quality check, and applying relevant filters according to our eligibility criteria, we identified 16 studies relevant to our research question, out of which one was a randomized controlled trial, one meta-analysis, and 14 were observational studies. The study comprised 44,673 patients with NSCLC, out of whom 15,093 patients were operated by VATS and the remaining 29,580 patients by thoracotomy. The results indicate that VATS is equivalent to thoracotomy in total LNs (N1 + N2) and LN stations dissected. However, a thoracotomy may achieve slightly better mediastinal lymph node dissection (N2) in terms of assessing a greater number of mediastinal lymph nodes and nodal stations. This may be attributed to a better visual field during mediastinal nodal clearance by an open approach. Also, nodal upstaging was consistently more common with an open approach. In terms of long-term outcomes, both overall survival and disease-free survival rates were similar between the two groups, with VATS offering a slightly better survival benefit. Irrespective of the increased rates of nodal upstaging by an open approach, we conclude that VATS should be considered a highly efficient alternative to thoracotomy in both early and locally advanced NSCLC.

Segmentectomy for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer: National benchmarks for nodal staging and outcomes by operative approach

BACKGROUND

Segmentectomy is increasingly used for parenchyma sparing anatomical resection for small stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study characterizes the national outcomes for lymph node assessment and perioperative outcomes of segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC by robotic-assisted surgery (RATS), video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and open thoracotomy approach.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients who underwent segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC captured in the national Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database between years 2012 and 2018. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance baseline characteristics. Lymph node (LN) staging and 30-day outcomes were compared by approach.

RESULTS

A total of 3680 patients (VATS 61.9%, RATS 20%, open 18%) underwent segmentectomy. The IPTW adjusted rate of pathologic LN upstaging (pN1/pN2) was 6.2% (RATS 6.3%, VATS 5.6%, open 8.6%; P = .05). On multivariate analysis, there was no differences in pN1/N2 upstaging between RATS (odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-1.49) or VATS (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.57-1.63) with open segmentectomy. The RATS and VATS approach was associated with fewer postoperative events (RATS 31.3%, VATS 28.8%, open 38.3%; P < .001) and shorter length of stay (RATS 4.3 days, VATS 4.4 days, open 5.2 days; P < .001) as compared with thoracotomy. RATS segmentectomy-specific complications included a higher rate of pneumothorax after chest tube removal and discharge with chest tube. Major complications were lower after RATS and VATS as compared with open segmentectomy (RATS 5.9%, VATS 4.5%, open 7.2%; P = .028).

CONCLUSIONS

Segmentectomy by VATS and robotic approach resulted in similar high rates of lymph node upstaging as a global marker of the quality of lymph node dissection and were associated with lower overall morbidity and shorter length of stay as compared with open thoracotomy. These national outcomes may serve as benchmarks for future comparative studies.

Learning curve for completely thoracoscopic anatomic sublobar resection

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive anatomic sublobar resection is increasingly being considered as an alternative to lobectomy in selected cases. However, this remains a technically challenging procedure and only 5 studies evaluating learning curves have been published to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate a single surgeon's learning curve for completely thoracoscopic anatomic sublobar resection.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all thoracoscopic anatomic sublobar resections by one surgeon proficient in VATS lobectomy between January 2015 and January 2020. The primary outcome was operative time. Secondary outcomes were perioperative complications, duration of chest tube drainage and length of stay.

RESULTS

There were 67 thoracoscopic anatomic sublobar resections performed in 66 patients. A Time-series plot and Cumulative Sum analysis of operative times showed a drop off after case 32, suggesting achievement of competency. After case 32, mean operative times were decreased (128,59+/- 32,42min. vs 153,63+/-40,16 min, p=0,013) and there was a trend toward decreased blood loss (124,26+/- 76,0 vs 175,0ml+/-141,99, p=0,073). 13,6% of patients had postoperative complications other than air leak and 88,9% of these were Clavien-Dindo class 1-2; postoperative complications were evenly distributed before and after case 32. Cumlulative Sum curves for the duration of chest tube drainage and length of stay did not show any significant change during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that for a surgeon proficient in VATS lobectomy, competency in completely thoracoscopic anatomic sublobar resection can be achieved after 32 cases and can be accomplished in a way that does not compromise perioperative outcomes.

Application of Mimics Medical 21.0 software in thoracoscopic anatomical sublobectomy

BACKGROUND

The anatomical structure of pulmonary segments is complex, and there are many anatomical variations, making the operation more difficult, so we used Mimics Medical 21.0 software for three-dimensional computed tomography bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA), carefully formulated the surgical plan and on this basis completed the video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical sublobectomy.

METHODS

A total of 38 patients with pulmonary nodules were selected and received video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical sublobectomy after using Mimics Medica 21.0 software for 3D-CTBA.

RESULTS

The mean operative duration was 158.42±20.21 minutes, and the operative hemorrhage was 97.66±22.37 mL. In pathological diagnoses, there were 5 benign cases (13.2%), 9 cases with atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (23.7%), 12 cases with adenocarcinoma in situ (31.6%), 11 cases with minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (28.9%) and 1 case with invasive adenocarcinoma (2.6%); 8.29±0.98 lymph nodes sampled had no metastasis. The chest tube drainage duration and postoperative hospitalstay were 2.47±0.73 days and 5.47±0.73 days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Using Mimics Medical 21.0 software can quickly and accurately complete 3D-CTBA, which is beneficial to formulate a personalized anatomical sublobectomy surgical plan.

A National Analysis of Minimally Invasive Vs Open Segmentectomy for Stage IA Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The objective of this study was to compare long-term outcomes of open vs minimally invasive (MIS) segmentectomy for early stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which has not been previouslyevaluated using national studies. Outcomes of open vs MIS segmentectomy for clinical T1, N0, M0 NSCLC in the National Cancer Data Base (2010-2015) were evaluated using propensity score matching. Of the 39,351 patients who underwent surgery for stage IA NSCLC from 2010 to 2015, 770 underwent segmentectomy by thoracotomy and 1056 by MIS approach (876 thoracoscopic [VATS], 180 robotic). The MIS to open conversion rate was 6.7% (n = 71). After propensity score matching, all baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the open (n = 683) and MIS (n = 683) groups. When compared to the open group, the MIS group had shorter median length of stay (4 vs 5 days, P< 0.001) and lower 30-day mortality (0.6% vs 1.9%, P = 0.037). There were no significant differences between MIS and open groups with regard to 30-day readmission (5.0% vs 3.7%, P = 0.43), or upstaging from cN0 to pN1/N2/N3 (3.1% vs 3.6%, P = 0.89). The MIS approach was associated with similar long-term overall survival as the open approach (5-year survival: 62.3% vs 63.5%, P = 0.89; multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio: 0.99, 95% Confidence Intervial (CI): 0.82-1.21, P = 0.96). In this national analysis of open vs MIS segmentectomy for clinical stage IA NSCLC, MIS was associated with shorter length of stay and lower perioperative mortality, and similar nodal upstaging and 5-year survival when compared to segmentectomy via thoracotomy. MIS segmentectomy does not appear to compromise oncologic outcomes for clinical stage IA NSCLC.

The European experience

Traditionally, pulmonary lobectomy has always been considered as the gold standard for the treatment of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); limited resections have been proposed in case of "compromised" patients, with relevant comorbidities. In the last years, the interest in anatomical segmentectomies among surgeons has been progressively growing, even for patients fit for lobectomy, in selected cases. In this article we debate the current trends in the treatment of early stage NSCLC around Europe.

Uniportal VATS approach to sub-lobar anatomic resections: literature review and personal experience

Surgical scientific literature contains relatively little information regarding the surgical outcomes of anatomic sublobar resections performed with the uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) technique. This paper attempts to evaluate the role of U-VATS segmentectomies in the landscape of a minimally invasive approach to the treatment of early stage non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Oncologic Outcomes of Surgery Versus SBRT for Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma is subject to debate. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and oncologic outcomes of lobar resection (LR), sublobar resection (SR), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of oncologic outcomes of propensity matched comparative and noncomparative cohort studies was performed. Outcomes of interest were overall survival and disease-free survival. The inverse variance method and the random-effects method for meta-analysis were utilized to assess the pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 100 studies with patients treated for clinical stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma were included. Long-term overall and disease-free survival after LR was superior over SBRT in all comparisons, and for most comparisons, SR was superior to SBRT. Noncomparative studies showed superior long-term overall and disease-free survival for both LR and SR over SBRT. Although the papers were heterogeneous and of low quality, results remained essentially the same throughout a large number of stratifications and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that LR has superior outcomes compared to SBRT for cI non-small-cell lung carcinoma. New trials are underway evaluating long-term results of SBRT in potentially operable patients.

Surgical Outcomes in a Lung Cancer-Screening Program Using Low Dose Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVE

Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of death from cancer worldwide. More than 27,000 LCs are diagnosed annually in Spain, and most are unresectable. Early detection and treatment reduce LC mortality. This study describes surgical outcomes in a longstanding LC screening cohort in Spain.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of surgical outcomes in a LC screening (LCS) program using low dose computed tomography (LDCT) since the year 2000. A descriptive analysis of clinical and radiological parameters, presence or absence of a preoperative diagnosis, pathological staging, morbidity, mortality, and survival was performed.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven (2.5%) LC were diagnosed in 3825 screened. Twenty individuals with LC had no surgery due to advanced stage or small cell histology. Eighty-seven surgical procedures were carried out for suspected or biopsy proven LC, detected by LDCT. Most operated patients were male (57[85%]) aged 64±9.1 years. Nine patients underwent a second operation for a metachronous primary lung cancer. Mean tumor size was 15.2±7.6mm. Eight nodules were benign (9.2%). Lobectomy was performed in 56 cases (83.6%). Adenocarcinoma (n=39; 58.2%) was the most frequent histological type followed by squamous cell carcinoma (n=17; 25.4%). Fifty-nine (88%) tumors were in Stage I. Thirteen patients (15.4%) had 16 complications. The estimated survival rates at 5 and 10 years for stage I were 93% (95% CI: 79%-98%) and 83% (95% CI: 65%-92%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Lung cancer screening was associated with excellent surgical outcomes with 5 and 10-year survival rates exceeding 90 and 80%, respectively.

Uniport video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) exhibits increased feasibility, non-inferior tolerance, and equal efficiency compared with multiport VATS and open thoracotomy in the elderly non-small cell lung cancer patients at early stage

This study aimed to compare the feasibility, efficacy and safety among uniport video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS), multiport VATS (M-TATS), and open thoracotomy in elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients at early stage.One hundred ninety-one elderly NSCLC patients at early stage underwent U-VATS (N = 73), M-VATS (N = 56) or open thoracotomy (N = 62) were included. Perioperative parameters, short-term outcomes, postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS) were assessed.Three-group analysis disclosed that operational duration, blood loss, drainage duration, hospital stay, pain score on the first day (D1) and D3, patients' global assessment (PGA), lasing air leak, infection, arrhythmia, and cardio-cerebrovascular events incidences were different among U-VATS, M-VATS, and open thoracotomy groups. Subsequently, 2-group analysis revealed that:In addition, there was no difference of OS among 3 groups, nor between any of the 2 groups.U-VATS presents with elevated feasibility, non-inferior tolerance, and similar efficacy compared with M-VATS and open thoracotomy in the elderly NSCLC patients at early stage.

VATS segmentectomy: past, present, and future

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gradually been implemented in thoracic surgery, and the VATS approach has now been extended to technically challenging procedures, such as segmentectomy. The definition of VATS segmentectomy is changing over time, and the repertoire of segmentectomy is getting wider with increasing reports on atypical segmentectomy. VATS segmentectomy bears surgical, oncological, and technical advantages; however, there are still areas of controversy, particularly regarding oncological outcomes. The indication of VATS segmentectomy is diverse and is used for treating lung cancer, metastatic lung tumors, or a variety of nonmalignant diseases. It is particularly valuable for the lung-sparing resection of deeply located small nodules or repeated surgery for multiple lung lesions. VATS segmentectomy requires a thorough analysis of segmental anatomy and a tailored preoperative planning with the assessment of surgical margins. Technical challenges include intraoperative navigation, methods to identify and dissect the intersegmental plane, and the prevention of air leakage. This review will discuss the present state of VATS segmentectomy, with a focus on past studies, current indications and techniques, and future view.

Unplanned Procedures During Thoracoscopic Segmentectomies

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic sublobar resections (TSLRs) are gaining popularity, but are challenging. However, despite technical difficulties, the reported rate of adverse events, complications, and unplanned procedures is low. To understand this paradox, we have studied our series of TSLRs.

METHODS

We reviewed our prospective and intention-to-treat database on videothoracoscopic anatomical resections and extracted all planned thoracoscopic segmentectomies from January 2007 to July 2016. Intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed. Unplanned procedures were defined as a conversion into thoracotomy or an unplanned additional pulmonary resection.

RESULTS

During the study period 284 thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomies were performed in 280 patients. There were 124 men and 156 women with a mean age of 64 years (range, 18 to 86 years). Indication for segmentectomy was a proven or suspected non-small cell lung carcinoma in 184 patients, suspected metastasis in 51 patients, and benign lesion in 49 patients. In total, 23 patients had an unplanned procedure (8%). There were 10 unplanned thoracotomies (9 conversions and 1 reoperation; 3.1%) mainly for vascular injuries, and 15 unplanned additional resections (5.1%) distributed among oncological reasons (n = 7), per operative technical issues (n = 6) and postoperative adverse events (lingular ischemia, n = 2). Considering only the 235 patients operated on for cancer, the unplanned additional pulmonary resection rate for an oncological reason was 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although lower than for thoracoscopic lobectomies, the rate of unplanned procedure during TSLRs is of concern. It could most likely be reduced by technical refinements, such as a better preoperative planning.

Thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomies for lung cancer: technical aspects

Although the interest for thoracoscopic sublobar resections (TSLR) is rising, its use for treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is still controversial because publications dealing with survival and recurrence rate provide contradictory results. If applied to the resection of lung cancer, thoracoscopic segmentectomies must be performed according to oncological criteria. The aim of this technical paper is to give some technical details on thoracoscopic segmentectomies for the treatment of malignancies. Our experience is based on 235 thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomies performed in 232 patients for a malignant lesion between January 2007 and July 2016. Indication for segmentectomy was a proven or suspected NSCLC in 184 and suspected metastasis in 51 patients. Intraoperative and postoperative data were recorded in a prospective manner. There were eight conversions into a posterolateral thoracotomy (3.4%) and seven unplanned additional pulmonary resections for an oncological reason (3%). We discuss some technical refinements that could minimize these adverse events and make thoracoscopic segmentectomy a safe and reliable procedure.

Comparison of robotic and video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer: a propensity-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Reports of comparison between robotic and thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer are limited, we aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of robotic and thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary resection for lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 184 patients with lung cancer underwent anatomic pulmonary resection by robotics or thoracoscopy. A propensity-matched analysis with incorporated preoperative variables was used to compare the perioperative outcomes between the two procedures.

RESULTS

Overall, 71 patients underwent robotic pulmonary resection, including 64 lobectomies and 7 segmentectomies, while 113 patients underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy and segmentectomy. Propensity match produced 69 pairs. The mean length of postoperative stay (7.6±4.6 vs. 6.4±2.6 d, P=0.078), chest tube duration (5.3±3.7 vs. 4.4±1.7 d, P=0.056), number of lymph nodes retrieved (17.9±6.9 vs. 17.4±7.0, P=0.660), stations of lymph nodes resected (7.4±1.6 vs. 7.6±1.7, P=0.563), operative blood loss (53.9±29.3 vs. 50.3±37.9 mL, P=0.531), morbidity rates (42.0% vs. 30.4%, P=0.157) were similar between the robotics and thoracoscopy. However, robotics was associated with higher cost ($12,067±1,610 vs. $8,328±1,004, P<0.001), and longer operative time (136±40 vs. 111±28 min, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Robotics seems to have higher hospital costs and longer operative time, without superior advantages in morbidity rates and oncologic efficiency. Further prospective randomized clinical trials were needed to validate both of its short- and long-term oncologic efficiency.