Two-incision approach for video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy treating the central lung cancer.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We review our experiences with video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty for nonsmall‑cell lung cancer, using only two incisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of surgical approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2013 to January 2014, we completed 15 cases of VATS sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty in our hospital. The patients underwent sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty at the following locations right upper lobe (n = 4), right lower and middle lobes (n = 1), left lower lobe (n = 5), and left upper lobe (n = 6). The operation consisted of VATS anatomic sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty combined with systematic lymph node dissection, using only two incisions. RESULTS: The patients underwent sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty were no postoperative complications. Median operative time was 183 min; median bronchial anastomosis time was 39 min; median blood loss was 170 ml. Pathological examination showed 12 squamous cell carcinomas and 3 adenocarcinoma. Median postoperative chest tube drainage duration was 4.5 days, and median hospital stay was 6.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: Video‑assisted thoracoscopic surgery sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty is a feasible and safe surgical approach, using only two incisions. This way of operation can promote the development of surgical technology.