Predictors of reoperation after lung volume reduction surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has proven an effective treatment for emphysema, by decreasing hyperinflation and improving lung function, activity level and reducing dyspnoea. However, postoperative air leak is an important complication, often leading to reoperation. Our aim was to analyse reoperations after LVRS and identify potential predictors. METHODS: Consecutive single-centre unilateral VATS LVRS performed from 2017 to 2022 were included. Typically, 3-5 minor resections were made using vascular magazines without buttressing. Data were obtained from an institutional database and analysed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of reoperation. Number and location of injuries were registered. RESULTS: In total, 191 patients were included, 25 were reoperated (13%). In 21 patients, the indication for reoperation was substantial air leak, 3 patients bleeding and 1 patient empyema. Length of stay (LOS) was 21 (11-33) vs. 5 days (3-11), respectively. Only 3 injuries were in the stapler line, 13 within < 2cm and 15 injuries were in another site. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that decreasing DLCO increased risk of reoperation, OR 1.1 (1.03, 1.18, P = 0.005). Resections in only one lobe, compared to resections in multiple lobes, were also a risk factor OR 3.10 (1.17, 9.32, P = 0.03). Patients undergoing reoperation had significantly increased 30-day mortality, OR 5.52 (1.03, 26.69, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our incidence of reoperation after LVRS was 13% leading to prolonged LOS and increased 30-day mortality. Low DLCO and resections in a single lobe were significant predictors of reoperation. The air leak was usually not localized in the stapler line.

Simulation-based VATS resection of the five lung lobes: a technical skills test.

BACKGROUND: Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy is an advanced procedure and to maximize patient safety it is important to ensure the competency of thoracic surgeons before performing the procedure. The objective of this study was to investigate validity evidence for a virtual reality simulator-based test including multiple lobes of the lungs. METHOD: VATS experts from the department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, worked with Surgical Science (Gothenburg, Sweden) to develop VATS lobectomy modules for the LapSim® virtual reality simulator covering all five lobes of the lungs. Participants with varying experience in VATS were recruited and classified as either novice, intermediate, or experienced surgeons. Each participant performed VATS lobectomy on the simulator for three different randomly chosen lobes. Nine predefined simulator metrics were automatically recorded on the simulator. RESULTS: Twenty-two novice, ten intermediate, and nine experienced surgeons performed the test resulting in a total of 123 lobectomies. Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) found significant differences between the three groups for parameters: blood loss (p < 0.001), procedure time (p < 0.001), and total instrument path length (p = 0.03). These three metrics demonstrated high internal consistency and significant test-retest reliability was found between each of them. Relevant pass/fail levels were established for each of the three metrics, 541 ml, 30 min, and 71 m, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provides validity evidence for a simulator-based test of VATS lobectomy competence including multiple lobes of the lungs. The test can be used to ensure basic competence at the end of a simulation-based training program for thoracic surgery trainees.

Assessing VATS competence based on simulated lobectomies of all five lung lobes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the number of procedures and expert raters necessary to provide a reliable assessment of competence in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy. METHODS: Three randomly selected VATS lobectomies were performed on a virtual reality simulator by participants with varying experience in VATS. Video recordings of the procedures were independently rated by three blinded VATS experts using a modified VATS lobectomy assessment tool (VATSAT). The unitary framework of validity was used to describe validity evidence, and generalizability theory was used to explore the reliability of different assessment options. RESULTS: Forty-one participants (22 novices, 10 intermediates, and 9 experienced) performed a total of 123 lobectomies. Internal consistency reliability, inter-rater reliability, and test-retest reliability were 0.94, 0.85, and 0.90, respectively. Generalizability theory found that a minimum of two procedures and four raters or three procedures and three raters were needed to ensure the overall reliability of 0.8. ANOVA showed significant differences in test scores between the three groups (P < 0.001). A pass/fail level of 19 out of 25 points was established using the contrasting groups' standard setting method, leaving one false positive (one novice passed) and zero false negatives (all experienced passed). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated validity evidence for a VR simulator test with different lung lobes, and a credible pass/fail level was identified. Our results can be used to implement a standardized mastery learning training program for trainees in VATS lobectomies that ensures that everyone reaches basic competency before performing supervised operations on patients.

Evaluating competency in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy performance using a novel assessment tool and virtual reality simulation.

BACKGROUND: Competency-based training has gained ground in surgical training and with it assessment tools to ensure that training objectives are met. Very few assessment tools are available for evaluating performance in thoracoscopic procedures. Video recordings would provide the possibility of blinded assessment and limited rater bias. This study aimed to provide validity evidence for a newly developed and dedicated tool for assessing competency in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy. METHODS: Participants with varying experience with VATS lobectomy were included from different countries. Video recordings from participants' performance of a VATS right upper lobe lobectomy on a virtual reality simulator were rated by three raters using a modified version of a newly developed VATS lobectomy assessment tool (the VATSAT) and analyzed in relation to the unitary framework (content, response process, internal structure, relation to other variables, and consequences of testing). RESULTS: Fifty-three participants performed two consecutive simulated VATS lobectomies on the virtual reality simulator, leaving a total of 106 videos. Content established in previously published studies. Response process Standardized data collection was ensured by using an instructional element, uniform data collection, a special rating program, and automatic generation of the results to a database. Raters were carefully instructed in using the VATSAT, and tryout ratings were carried out. Internal structure Inter-rater reliability was calculated as intra-class correlation coefficients, to 0.91 for average measures (p < 0.001). Test/re-test reliability was calculated as Pearson's r of 0.70 (p < 0.001). G-coefficient was calculated to be 0.79 with two procedures and three raters. By performing D-theory was found that either three procedures rated by two raters or five procedures rated by one rater were enough to reach an acceptable G-coefficient of ≥ 0.8. Relation to other variables Significant differences between groups were found (p < 0.001). The participants' VATS lobectomy experience correlated significantly to their VATSAT score (p = 0.016). Consequences of testing The pass/fail score was found to be 14.9 points by the contrasting groups' method, leaving five false positive (29%) and six false negatives (43%). CONCLUSION: Validity evidence was provided for the VATSAT according to the unitary framework. The VATSAT provides supervisors and assessors with a procedure-specific assessment tool for evaluating VATS lobectomy performance and aids with the decision of when the trainee is ready for unsupervised performance.

A novel assessment tool for evaluating competence in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Specific assessment tools can accelerate trainees' learning through structured feedback and ensure that trainees attain the knowledge and skills required to practice as competent, independent surgeons (competency-based surgical education). The objective was to develop an assessment tool for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy by achieving consensus within an international group of VATS experts. METHOD: The Delphi method was used as a structured process for collecting and distilling knowledge from a group of internationally recognized VATS experts. Opinions were obtained in an iterative process involving answering repeated rounds of questionnaires. Responses to one round were summarized and integrated into the next round of questionnaires until consensus was reached. RESULTS: Thirty-one VATS experts were included and four Delphi rounds were conducted. The response rate for each round were 68.9% (31/45), 100% (31/31), 96.8% (30/31), and 93.3% (28/30) for the final round where consensus was reached. The first Delphi round contained 44 items and the final VATS lobectomy Assessment Tool (VATSAT) comprised eight items with rating anchors: (1) localization of tumor and other pathological tissue, (2) dissection of the hilum and veins, (3) dissection of the arteries, (4) dissection of the bronchus, (5) dissection of lymph nodes, (6) retrieval of lobe in bag, (7) respect for tissue and structures, and (8) technical skills in general. CONCLUSION: A novel and dedicated assessment tool for VATS lobectomy was developed based on VATS experts' consensus. The VATSAT can support the learning of VATS lobectomy by providing structured feedback and help supervisors make the important decision of when trainees have acquired VATS lobectomy competencies for independent performance.

Using virtual reality simulation to assess competence in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: The societies of thoracic surgery are working to incorporate simulation and competency-based assessment into specialty training. One challenge is the development of a simulation-based test, which can be used as an assessment tool. The study objective was to establish validity evidence for a virtual reality simulator test of a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy of a right upper lobe. METHODS: Participants with varying experience in VATS lobectomy were included. They were familiarized with a virtual reality simulator (LapSim®) and introduced to the steps of the procedure for a VATS right upper lobe lobectomy. The participants performed two VATS lobectomies on the simulator with a 5-min break between attempts. Nineteen pre-defined simulator metrics were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-three participants from nine different countries were included. High internal consistency was found for the metrics with Cronbach's alpha coefficient for standardized items of 0.91. Significant test-retest reliability was found for 15 of the metrics (p-values <0.05). Significant correlations between the metrics and the participants VATS lobectomy experience were identified for seven metrics (p-values <0.001), and 10 metrics showed significant differences between novices (0 VATS lobectomies performed) and experienced surgeons (>50 VATS lobectomies performed). A pass/fail level defined as approximately one standard deviation from the mean metric scores for experienced surgeons passed none of the novices (0 % false positives) and failed four of the experienced surgeons (29 % false negatives). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to establish validity evidence for a VATS right upper lobe lobectomy virtual reality simulator test. Several simulator metrics demonstrated significant differences between novices and experienced surgeons and pass/fail criteria for the test were set with acceptable consequences. This test can be used as a first step in assessing thoracic surgery trainees' VATS lobectomy competency.

Fast-track video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: future challenges.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a short overview of fast-track video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and to identify areas requiring further research. DESIGN: A literature search was made using key words including: fast-track, enhanced recovery, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), robotic, thoracotomy, single-incision, uniportal, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), chest tube, air-leak, digital drainage, pain management, analgesia, perioperative management, anaesthesia and non-intubated. References from articles were screened for further articles. Using abstracts, areas of interest for developing a fast-track protocol were selected. RESULTS: The minimally invasive approach can be divided into several surgical methods that need further research to establish superiority. The role of intubation has to be further examined as well as the role of chest drains. Multimodal analgesic treatment including preoperative methylprednisolone seems promising and requires further research. CONCLUSIONS: The fast-track data from other procedures may support future development and improvement of fast-track VATS.

Development and validation of a theoretical test of proficiency for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy.

BACKGROUND: Testing stimulates learning, improves long-term retention, and promotes technical performance. No purpose-orientated test of competence in the theoretical aspects of VATS lobectomy has previously been presented. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to develop and gather validity evidence for a theoretical test on VATS lobectomy consisting of multiple-choice questions. METHODS: Four European VATS lobectomy experts were interviewed to explore their views on important theoretical VATS lobectomy knowledge (step 1). This information was used to construct the test items in compliance with existing guidelines for multiple-choice questions (step 2). The experts rated the relevance of the items to confirm content validity in a modified Delphi approach (step 3). Finally, the test was administered to physicians, who were categorised into different experience levels based on their experience in VATS procedures overall and in VATS lobectomies specifically. Their answers were used to achieve construct validity (step 4). RESULTS: Initially, 81 items were constructed and two Delphi iterations reduced the test to 50 items. Item analysis led to the exclusion of 19 items and the mean discrimination index of the 31 final items was 0.26. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency was 0.75. The mean item difficulty was calculated to 0.63. According to performed VATS procedures, significantly different test performances were detected when comparing the group performances (p = 0.002) and the experts performed significantly better than the novices (p < 0.001) and intermediates (p = 0.01). In the category of performed VATS lobectomies, significant group performances were also found. In this category, the experts were also significantly better than the novices (p < 0.001), the trainees (p = 0.002), and the intermediates (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study led to the development of a theoretical test on VATS lobectomy consisting of multiple-choice questions. Both content and construct validity evidence were established.

Simulation-based training for thoracoscopic lobectomy: a randomized controlled trial: virtual-reality versus black-box simulation.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracic surgery is gradually replacing conventional open thoracotomy as the method of choice for the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancers, and thoracic surgical trainees must learn and master this technique. Simulation-based training could help trainees overcome the first part of the learning curve, but no virtual-reality simulators for thoracoscopy are commercially available. This study aimed to investigate whether training on a laparoscopic simulator enables trainees to perform a thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS: Twenty-eight surgical residents were randomized to either virtual-reality training on a nephrectomy module or traditional black-box simulator training. After a retention period they performed a thoracoscopic lobectomy on a porcine model and their performance was scored using a previously validated assessment tool. RESULTS: The groups did not differ in age or gender. All participants were able to complete the lobectomy. The performance of the black-box group was significantly faster during the test scenario than the virtual-reality group: 26.6 min (SD 6.7 min) versus 32.7 min (SD 7.5 min). No difference existed between the two groups when comparing bleeding and anatomical and non-anatomical errors. CONCLUSION: Simulation-based training and targeted instructions enabled the trainees to perform a simulated thoracoscopic lobectomy. Traditional black-box training was more effective than virtual-reality laparoscopy training. Thus, a dedicated simulator for thoracoscopy should be available before establishing systematic virtual-reality training programs for trainees in thoracic surgery.

Efficacy of avoiding chest drains after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery wedge resection: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The use of routine postoperative chest drains after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) of the lung is a practice based on tradition with the aim of draining fluid and air. However, new evidence suggests that chest drains can be avoided in selected cases. With this randomised controlled trial, we wish to establish the efficacy and safety of avoiding postoperative chest drains compared with routine postoperative chest drains. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a two-centre randomised controlled trial without allocation concealment, but where randomisation occurs after the end of procedure leaving operative personnel blinded during surgery. The sample size is calculated to show a difference in pain measurements using the Numeric Rating Scale under different circumstances and at different time points to show superiority of the intervention. The trial is pragmatic by design to reflect the daily clinical scenario and with the aim of increasing the external validity of the results. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Approval by the local ethics committees has been obtained for both sites. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05358158) prior to inclusion. The results of the trial will be disseminated by publication in an international journal and presentation at major international thoracic surgical meetings. ARTICLE SUMMARY: This is a randomised controlled trial estimating the effects of avoiding a chest drain after VATS wedge resection of the lung on pain, total morphine use, quality of life and complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05358158.

A successful shift from thoracotomy to video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer in a low-volume center.

OBJECTIVES: Although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has become the gold standard for pulmonary resections of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), lobectomy is still performed via thoracotomy in many European and North American centres. VATS lobectomy was implemented overnight from thoracotomy in our low-volume centre in early 2019, after 1 senior surgeon undertook observership VATS-training overseas, and immediately became the mainstay of surgical treatment for NSCLC in Iceland. We aimed to investigate our short-term outcomes of VATS lobectomy. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on all pulmonary resections for NSCLC in Iceland 2019-2022, especially focusing on VATS lobectomies, all at cTNM stage I or II. Data were retrieved from hospital charts, including information on perioperative complications, mortality, length of stay and operation time. RESULTS: Out of 204 pulmonary resections, mostly performed by a single senior cardiothoracic surgeon, 169 were lobectomies (82.9%) with 147 out of 169 (87.0%) being VATS lobectomies. Anterolateral thoracotomy was used in 34 cases (16.7%), including 22 lobectomies (64.7%), and 5 (3.4%) conversions from VATS lobectomy. The median postoperative stay for VATS lobectomy was 4 days and the average operating time decreased from 155 to 124 min between the first and last year of the study (P < 0.001). The rate of major and minor complications was 2.7% and 15.6% respectively. One year survival was 95.6% and all patients survived 30 days postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of VATS lobectomy has been successful in our small geographically isolated centre, serving a population of 390 000. Although technically challenging, VATS lobectomy was implemented fast for most NSCLC cases, with short-term outcomes that are comparable to larger high-volume centres.

Consensus on technical procedures for simulation-based training in thoracic surgery: an international needs assessment.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and prioritize technical procedures for simulation-based training to be integrated into the thoracic surgical curriculum. METHODS: A 3-round Delphi survey was conducted from February 2022 to June 2022 among 34 key opinion leaders in thoracic surgery from 14 countries worldwide. The 1st round was a brainstorming phase to identify technical procedures that a newly qualified thoracic surgeon should be able to perform. All the suggested procedures were categorized, qualitatively analysed and sent to the 2nd round. The second round investigated: the frequency of the identified procedure at each institution, the number of thoracic surgeons that should be able to perform these procedures, the degree of risk to the patient if the procedure is performed by a non-competent thoracic surgeon and the feasibility of simulation-based education. In the 3rd round, elimination and re-ranking of the procedures from the 2nd round were performed. RESULTS: Response rates in the 3 iterative rounds were 80% (28 out of 34), 89% (25 out of 28) and 100% (25 out of 25) in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd round, respectively. Seventeen technical procedures were included for simulation-based training in the final prioritized list. The top 5 procedures were Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) lobectomy, VATS segmentectomy, VATS mediastinal lymph node dissection, diagnostic flexible bronchoscopy and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery port placement, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery docking and undocking. CONCLUSIONS: The prioritized list of procedures represents a consensus of key thoracic surgeons worldwide. These procedures are suitable for simulation-based training and should be integrated in the thoracic surgical curriculum.

Reliable and valid assessment of performance in thoracoscopy.

BACKGROUND: As we move toward competency-based education in medicine, we have lagged in developing competency-based evaluation methods. In the era of minimally invasive surgery, there is a need for a reliable and valid tool dedicated to measure competence in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The purpose of this study is to create such an assessment tool, and to explore its reliability and validity. METHODS: An expert group of physicians created an assessment tool consisting of 10 items rated on a five-point rating scale. The following factors were included: economy and confidence of movement, respect for tissue, precision of operative technique, creation and placement of ports, localization of pathologic tissue, use of staplers, retrieval of tissue in bag and placement of chest tube. Fifty consecutive thoracoscopic wedge resections were recorded and assessed blindly and independently by two experts using the tool. RESULTS: Four residents, four fellows and five consultants performed 1-10 (median 4) operations each. The fellows performed significantly better than the residents (P = 0.03; effect size, ES = 0.72). The consultants scored 11% higher than the fellows, but this difference was not significant (P = 0.10, ES = 0.64). The inter-rater reliability was acceptable (Cronbach's alpha 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: This tool for assessing performance in thoracoscopy is reliable and valid. It can provide unbiased feedback to trainees, and can be used to evaluate new teaching curricula, i.e. simulation-based training. Furthermore, it has potential to aid in certification of new thoracic surgeons.

The left upper lobe challenge in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery-use of a composite score to improve the assessment of simulated lobectomy.

AIM: The aim of this study is to develop a reliable composite score based on simulator metrics to assess competency in virtual reality video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy and explore the benefits of combining it with expert rater assessments. METHODS: Standardized objective assessments (time, bleeding, economy of movement) and subjective expert rater assessments from 2 previous studies were combined. A linear mixed model including experience level, lobe and the number of previous simulated procedures was applied for the repeated measurements. Reliability for each of the 4 assessments was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. The Nelder-Mead numerical optimization algorithm was used for optimal weighting of scores. A pass-fail standard for the composite score was determined using the contrasting groups' method. RESULTS: In total, 123 virtual reality video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomies were included. Across the 4 different assessments, there were significant effects (P < 0.01) of experience, lobe, and simulator experience, but not for simulator attempts on bleeding (P = 0.98). The left upper lobe was significantly more difficult compared to other lobes (P = 0.02). A maximum reliability of 0.92 could be achieved by combining the standardized simulator metrics with standardized expert rater scores. The pass/fail level for the composite score when including 1 expert rater was 0.33. CONCLUSIONS: Combining simulator metrics with 1 or 2 raters increases reliability and can serve as a more objective method for assessing surgical trainees. The composite score may be used to implement a standardized and feasible simulation-based mastery training program in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy using a standardized anterior approach.

BACKGROUND: Lobectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) still is a controversial operation despite its many observed benefits. The controversy may be due to difficulties performing the procedure. This study addresses a standardized anterior approach facilitating the operation. METHODS: This report describes 156 VATS lobectomies performed with a uniform anterior three-port technique. The surgeon and the assistant stand on the abdominal side of the patient, and the setup is independent of the lobe to be resected. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2007, 156 VATS lobectomies and 13 conversions (7.7%) were performed with an anterior three-port technique. No mortality occurred among the VATS lobectomies during a 30-day period. The major comorbidity rate was 78%. The comorbidities included former thoracic surgery (9%) or a history of another cancer (22%), indicating potentially difficult surgery and a nonselected population. The majority (92%) of the patients had lung cancer. The major postoperative problem was air leakage, which usually prolongs the tube time and the in-hospital stay, but a "no-touch fissure" technique significantly reduced the median tube time to 4 days and the postoperative hospital stay to 5 days. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that VATS lobectomies can be performed using a standardized anterior approach with low rates of conversion and morbidity. A "no-touch fissure" technique lowers the postoperative tube time, the in-hospital stay, and the number of patients with prolonged air leakage. A uniform anterior approach facilitates VATS lobectomy and makes this advanced procedure more easily adaptable by many surgeons familiar with an open anterior approach. The findings show that VATS lobectomy can be performed safely for a large proportion of lung cancer patients.

Lung volume reduction surgery as salvage procedure after previous use of endobronchial valves.

OBJECTIVES: Lung volume reduction (LVR) is an efficient and approved treatment for selected emphysema patients. There is some evidence that repeated LVR surgery (LVRS) might be beneficial, but there are no current data on LVRS after unsuccessful bronchoscopic LVR (BLVR) with endobronchial valves (EBVs). We hypothesize good outcome of LVRS after BLVR with valves. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively investigated all patients who underwent LVRS between 2015 and 2019 at 2 centres after previous unsuccessful EBV treatment. They were further divided into subgroups with patients who never achieved the intended improvement after BLVR (primary failure) and patients whose benefit was fading over time due to the natural development of emphysema (secondary failure). Patients with severe air leak after BLVR and immediate concomitant LVRS and fistula closure thereafter were analysed separately. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were included. Of these, 19 patients had primary failure, 15 secondary failure and 4 were treated as an emergency due to severe air leak. At 3 months after LVRS, forced expiratory volume in 1 s had improved significantly by 12.5% (P = 0.011) and there was no 90-day mortality. Considering subgroups, patients with primary failure after BLVR seem to profit more than those with secondary failure. Patients with severe air leak after BLVR did not profit from fistula closure with concomitant LVRS. CONCLUSIONS: LVRS after previous BLVR with EBVs can provide significant clinical improvement with low morbidity, although results might not be as good as after primary LVRS.

[Lung volume reduction surgery for severe emphysema treatment].

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a treatment option for patients with severe emphysema. A multicentre randomised trial (NETT) found, that LVRS reduced symptoms from emphysema, and in selected patients with heterogen-ous emphysema it improved survival. Since NETT was performed, other studies have demonstrated positive outcomes, both symptomatic and for survival in previously classified high-risk patients. Post-operative mortality after LVRS is now negligible, which is often credited to minimally invasive techniques, greater experience with the patient group and improved operative equipment.

The effects of low suction on digital drainage devices after lobectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: a randomized controlled trial†.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal level of suction on digital chest drainage devices after lobectomy using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is unknown and varies between thoracic centres. In this randomized controlled trial, we assessed the potential benefits of low suction of -2 cmH2O compared to -10 cmH2O, using a digital drainage device. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-eight patients were randomized into 2 groups after VATS lobectomy for suspected or confirmed lung cancer. Primary outcome was time to chest drain removal. Drain data were obtained from the digital drainage devices, and patient data were obtained from medical records during admission, with a follow-up until postoperative day 30. RESULTS: For the -2 cmH2O and -10 cmH2O groups, median (interquartile range) drainage duration was 27.4 h (23.3-71.2) and 47.5 h (24.5-117.8) (P = 0.047), and the incidence of prolonged air leak >5 days was 14.4% and 24.3% (P = 0.089), respectively. Median total fluid production was 566 h (329-1155) ml and 795 h (454-1605) ml (P = 0.007). Median time to consistent air leak cessation (<20 ml/min) was 5.2 h (0.3-34.2) and 23.7 h (0.8-90.8) (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the proportion or the size of the pneumothorax or subcutaneous emphysema after drain removal, and no differences were observed in postoperative morbidity. Median length of in-hospital stay was 2.0 days (2.0-5.8) and 3.0 days (2.0-9.0) (P = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: A low suction level significantly shortened drainage duration, time to air leak cessation and total fluid production, without increasing morbidity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02911259.

[Surgery in patients with lung cancer].

This review is about the initial diagnostic workup and the surgical treatment of patients with lung cancer in Denmark. Due to the development of international and national clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, survival has increased. Data from 2005-2016 in the National Danish Lung Cancer Registry show an increase in: 1) the number of women being diagnosed, 2) the part of surgical candidates being thoracoscopically treated, 3) the number of patients being referred to surgery and 4) the survival rate.

Assessment of competence in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy: A Danish nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: Competence in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy has previously been established on the basis of numbers of procedures performed, but this approach does not ensure competence. Specific assessment tools, such as the newly developed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy assessment tool, allow for structured and objective assessment of competence. Our aim was to provide validity evidence for the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy assessment tool. METHODS: Video recordings of 60 video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomies performed by 18 thoracic surgeons were rated using the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy assessment tool. All 4 centers of thoracic surgery in Denmark participated in the study. Two video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery experts rated the videos. They were blinded to surgeon and center. RESULTS: The total internal consistency reliability Cronbach's alpha was 0.93. Inter-rater reliability between the 2 raters was Pearson's r = 0.71 (P < .001). The mean video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy assessment tool scores for the 10 procedures performed by beginners were 22.1 (standard deviation [SD], 8.6) for the 28 procedures performed by the intermediate surgeons, 31.2 (SD, 4.4), and for the 20 procedures performed by experts 35.9 (SD, 2.9) (P < .001). Bonferroni post hoc tests showed that experts were significantly better than intermediates (P < .008) and beginners (P < .001). Intermediates' mean scores were significantly better than beginners (P < .001). The pass/fail standard calculated using the contrasting group's method was 31 points. One of the beginners passed, and 2 experts failed the test. CONCLUSIONS: Validity evidence was provided for a newly developed assessment tool for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy assessment tool) in a clinical setting. The discriminatory ability among expert surgeons, intermediate surgeons, and beginners proved highly significant. The video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy assessment tool could be an important aid in the future training and certification of thoracic surgeons.