Operative outcomes and middle-term survival of robotic-assisted lung resection for clinical stage IA lung cancer compared with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery / Resultados postoperatorios y de supervivencia a medio plazo de las resecciones pulmonares asistidas por robot en el cáncer de pulmón en estadio clínico IA en comparación con la cirugía toracoscópica videoasistida

Background: Despite limited published evidence, robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for anatomic lung resection in early-stage lung cancer continues growing. The aim of this study is to evaluate its safety and oncologic efficacy compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Methods: Single-centre retrospective study of all patients with resected clinical stage IA NSCLC who underwent RATS or VATS anatomic lung resection from June 2018 to January 2022. RATS and VATS cases were matched by propensity scoring (PSM) according to age, sex, histology, and type of resection. Short-term outcomes were compared, and the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: 321 patients (94 RATS and 227 VATS cases) were included. After PSM, 94 VATS and 94 RATS cases were compared. Demographics, pulmonary function, and comorbidity were similar in both groups. Overall postoperative morbidity was comparable for RATS and VATS cases (20.2% vs 25.5%, P = 0.385, respectively). Pathological nodal upstaging was similar in both groups (10.6% in RATS and 12.8% in VATS). During the 3.5-year follow-up period (median: 29 months; IQR: 18–39), recurrence rate was 6.4% in RATS group and 18.1% in the VATS group (P = 0.014). OS and DFS were similar in RATS and VATS groups (log rank P = 0.848 and P = 0.117, respectively). Conclusion: RATS can be performed safely in patients with early-stage NSCLC. For clinical stage IA disease, robotic anatomic lung resection offers better oncologic outcomes in terms of recurrence, although there are no differences in OS and DFS compared with VATS.(AU)

Introducción: A pesar de la limitada evidencia disponible, el uso de la RATS en resecciones pulmonares anatómicas por cáncer continúa creciendo. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar su seguridad y eficacia oncológica en comparación con la VATS. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo unicéntrico en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes con CPNM en estadio cIA sometidos a resección pulmonar anatómica RATS o VATS entre junio de 2018 y enero de 2022. Los casos se emparejaron mediante puntuación de propensión (PSM) según edad, sexo, histología y tipo de resección. Se compararon los resultados a corto plazo y la supervivencia global (OS) y libre de enfermedad (DFS) mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier y la prueba de rangos logarítmicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 321 pacientes (94 RATS y 227 VATS). Tras el PSM, se compararon 94 VATS y 94 RATS. La morbilidad global fue comparable en ambos grupos (20.2 % en RATS vs 25.5 % en VATS, P = 0.385). El upstaging ganglionar fue similar en ambos abordajes (10.6% en RATS y 12.8% en VATS). Durante los 3.5 años de seguimiento, la tasa de recurrencia fue del 6.4 % en RATS y del 18.1 % en VATS (P = 0.014). OS y DFS fueron similares en los dos grupos (rango logarítmico P = 0.848 y P = 0.117, respectivamente). Conclusión: La RATS se puede realizar de forma segura en pacientes con CPNM en estadio inicial. Para la enfermedad en estadio cIA, el abordaje robótico ofrece mejores resultados en términos de recurrencia, aunque no hay diferencias en la OS y la DFS en comparación con la VATS.(AU)

Operative outcomes and middle-term survival of robotic-assisted lung resection for clinical stage IA lung cancer compared with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite limited published evidence, robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for anatomic lung resection in early-stage lung cancer continues growing. The aim of this study is to evaluate its safety and oncologic efficacy compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). METHODS: Single-centre retrospective study of all patients with resected clinical stage IA NSCLC who underwent RATS or VATS anatomic lung resection from June 2018 to January 2022. RATS and VATS cases were matched by propensity scoring (PSM) according to age, sex, histology, and type of resection. Short-term outcomes were compared, and the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: 321 patients (94 RATS and 227 VATS cases) were included. After PSM, 94 VATS and 94 RATS cases were compared. Demographics, pulmonary function, and comorbidity were similar in both groups. Overall postoperative morbidity was comparable for RATS and VATS cases (20.2% vs 25.5%, P = 0.385, respectively). Pathological nodal upstaging was similar in both groups (10.6% in RATS and 12.8% in VATS). During the 3.5-year follow-up period (median: 29 months; IQR: 18-39), recurrence rate was 6.4% in RATS group and 18.1% in the VATS group (P = 0.014). OS and DFS were similar in RATS and VATS groups (log rank P = 0.848 and P = 0.117, respectively). CONCLUSION: RATS can be performed safely in patients with early-stage NSCLC. For clinical stage IA disease, robotic anatomic lung resection offers better oncologic outcomes in terms of recurrence, although there are no differences in OS and DFS compared with VATS.

Autologous mesenchymal stromal cells embedded with Tissucol Duo® for prevention of air leak after anatomical lung resection: results of a prospective phase I/II clinical trial with long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged air leak (PAL) is the most frequent complication after pulmonary resection. Several measures have been described to prevent the occurrence of PAL in high-risk patients, however, the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) applied in the parenchymal suture line to prevent postoperative air leak in this setting has not been fully addressed. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the feasibility, safety and potential clinical efficacy of the implantation of autologous MSCs embedded in Tissucol Duo® as a prophylactic alternative to prevent postoperative prolonged air leak after pulmonary resection in high-risk patients. STUDY DESIGN: Phase I/II single-arm prospective clinical trial. METHODS: Six patients with high risk of PAL undergoing elective pulmonary resection were included. Autologous bone marrow-derived MSCs were expanded at our Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Facility and implanted (embedded in a Tissucol Duo® carrier) in the parenchymal suture line during pulmonary resection surgery. Patients were monitored in the early postoperative period and evaluated for possible complications or adverse reactions. In addition, all patients were followed-up to 5 years for clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The median age of patients included was 66 years (range: 55-70 years), and male/female ratio was 5/1. Autologous MSCs were expanded in five cases, in one case MSCs expansion was insufficient. There were no adverse effects related to cell implantation. Regarding efficacy, median air leak duration was 0 days (range: 0-2 days). The incidence of PAL was nil. Radiologically, only one patient presented pneumothorax in the chest X-ray at discharge. No adverse effects related to the procedure were recorded during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The use of autologous MSCs for prevention of PAL in patients with high risk of PAL is feasible, safe and potentially effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION NO: EudraCT: 2013-000535-27. CLINICALTRIALS: gov idenfier: NCT02045745.

Failure to rescue following anatomical lung resection. Analysis of a prospective nationwide database.

Background: Rescue failure has been described as an important factor that conditions postoperative mortality after surgical interventions. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence and main determinants of failure to rescue after anatomical lung resections. Methods: Prospective multicenter study that included all patients undergoing anatomical pulmonary resection between December 2016 and March 2018 and registered in the Spanish nationwide database GEVATS. Postoperative complications were classified as minor (grades I and II) and major (grades IIIa to V) according to the Clavien-Dindo standardized classification. Patients that died after a major complication were considered rescue failure. A stepwise logistic regression model was created to identify predictors of failure to rescue. Results: 3,533 patients were analyzed. In total, 361 cases (10.2%) had major complications, of which 59 (16.3%) could not be rescued. The variables associated with rescue failure were: ppoDLCO% (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-1; p = 0.067), cardiac comorbidity (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4; p = 0.024), extended resection (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 0.94-5.41; p = 0.067), pneumonectomy (OR, 2.53; 95 CI, 1.07-6.03; p = 0.036) and hospital volume <120 cases per year (OR, 2.53; CI 95%, 1.26-5.07; p = 0.009). The area under the curve of the ROC curve was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.64-0.79). Conclusion: A significant percentage of patients who presented major complications after anatomical lung resection did not survive to discharge. Pneumonectomy and annual surgical volume are the risk factors most closely related to rescue failure. Complex thoracic surgical pathology should be concentrated in high-volume centers to obtain the best results in potentially high-risk patients.

Factores predictores de estancia hospitalaria prolongada tras resección pulmonar anatómica / Predictive factors of prolonged postoperative length of stay after anatomic pulmonary resection

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es crear un modelo predictivo de estancia postoperatoria prolongada (EPP) en pacientes sometidos a resección pulmonar anatómica, validarlo en una serie externa y evaluar la influencia de la EPP en el reingreso y la mortalidad a 90 días. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes registrados en la base de datos del GEVATS dados de alta tras la intervención. Definimos la EPP como la permanencia postoperatoria en días por encima del percentil 75 de estancia de todos los pacientes de la serie. Se realizó un análisis univariable y multivariable mediante regresión logística y el modelo fue validado en una cohorte externa. Se analizó la posible asociación entre la EPP y el reingreso y la mortalidad a 90 días. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 3473 pacientes. La mediana de estancia postoperatoria fue de 5 días (RIQ:4-7). Ochocientos quince pacientes tuvieron una EPP (≥8 días), de los que el 79,9% presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias. El modelo final incluyó como variables: edad, IMC, sexo varón, VEF1%ppo, DLCO%ppo y toracotomía; el AUC en la serie de derivación fue de 0,684 (IC95%: 0,661-0,706) y en la de validación de 0,73 (IC95%: 0,681-0,78). Se encontró una asociación significativa entre la EPP y el reingreso (p<0,000) y la mortalidad a 90 días (p<0,000). Conclusiones: Las variables edad, IMC, sexo varón, VEF1%ppo, DLCO%ppo y toracotomía afectan a la EPP. La EPP se asocia con un incremento del riesgo de reingreso y mortalidad a 90 días. El 20% de las EPP no se relacionan con la ocurrencia de complicaciones postoperatorias. (AU)

Introduction: The objective of this study is to create a predictive model of prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS) in patients undergoing anatomic lung resection, to validate it in an external series and to evaluate the influence of PLOS on readmission and 90-day mortality. Methods: All patients registered in the GEVATS database discharged after the intervention were included. We define PLOS as the postoperative stay in days above the 75th percentile of stay for all patients in the series. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression and the model was validated in an external cohort. The possible association between PPE and readmission and mortality at 90 days was analyzed. Results: 3473 patients were included in the study. The median postoperative stay was 5 days (IQR: 4–7). 815 patients had PLOS (≥8 days), of which 79.9% had postoperative complications. The final model included as variables: age, BMI, male sex, ppoFEV1%, ppoDLCO% and thoracotomy; the AUC in the referral series was 0.684 (95% CI: 0.661–0.706) and in the validation series was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.681–0.78). A significant association was found between PLOS and readmission (p<.000) and 90-day mortality (p<.000). Conclusions: The variables age, BMI, male sex, ppoFEV1%, ppoDLCO% and thoracotomy affect PLOS. PLOS is associated with an increased risk of readmission and 90-day mortality. 20% of PLOS are not related to the occurrence of postoperative complications. (AU)

Factores predictores de estancia hospitalaria prolongada tras resección pulmonar anatómica / Predictive factors of prolonged postoperative length of stay after anatomic pulmonary resection

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es crear un modelo predictivo de estancia postoperatoria prolongada (EPP) en pacientes sometidos a resección pulmonar anatómica, validarlo en una serie externa y evaluar la influencia de la EPP en el reingreso y la mortalidad a 90 días. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes registrados en la base de datos del GEVATS dados de alta tras la intervención. Definimos la EPP como la permanencia postoperatoria en días por encima del percentil 75 de estancia de todos los pacientes de la serie. Se realizó un análisis univariable y multivariable mediante regresión logística y el modelo fue validado en una cohorte externa. Se analizó la posible asociación entre la EPP y el reingreso y la mortalidad a 90 días. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 3473 pacientes. La mediana de estancia postoperatoria fue de 5 días (RIQ:4-7). Ochocientos quince pacientes tuvieron una EPP (≥8 días), de los que el 79,9% presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias. El modelo final incluyó como variables: edad, IMC, sexo varón, VEF1%ppo, DLCO%ppo y toracotomía; el AUC en la serie de derivación fue de 0,684 (IC95%: 0,661-0,706) y en la de validación de 0,73 (IC95%: 0,681-0,78). Se encontró una asociación significativa entre la EPP y el reingreso (p<0,000) y la mortalidad a 90 días (p<0,000). Conclusiones: Las variables edad, IMC, sexo varón, VEF1%ppo, DLCO%ppo y toracotomía afectan a la EPP. La EPP se asocia con un incremento del riesgo de reingreso y mortalidad a 90 días. El 20% de las EPP no se relacionan con la ocurrencia de complicaciones postoperatorias. (AU)

Introduction: The objective of this study is to create a predictive model of prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS) in patients undergoing anatomic lung resection, to validate it in an external series and to evaluate the influence of PLOS on readmission and 90-day mortality. Methods: All patients registered in the GEVATS database discharged after the intervention were included. We define PLOS as the postoperative stay in days above the 75th percentile of stay for all patients in the series. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression and the model was validated in an external cohort. The possible association between PPE and readmission and mortality at 90 days was analyzed. Results: 3473 patients were included in the study. The median postoperative stay was 5 days (IQR: 4–7). 815 patients had PLOS (≥8 days), of which 79.9% had postoperative complications. The final model included as variables: age, BMI, male sex, ppoFEV1%, ppoDLCO% and thoracotomy; the AUC in the referral series was 0.684 (95% CI: 0.661–0.706) and in the validation series was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.681–0.78). A significant association was found between PLOS and readmission (p<.000) and 90-day mortality (p<.000). Conclusions: The variables age, BMI, male sex, ppoFEV1%, ppoDLCO% and thoracotomy affect PLOS. PLOS is associated with an increased risk of readmission and 90-day mortality. 20% of PLOS are not related to the occurrence of postoperative complications. (AU)

Predictive factors of prolonged postoperative length of stay after anatomic pulmonary resection.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to create a predictive model of prolonged postoperative length of stay (PLOS) in patients undergoing anatomic lung resection, to validate it in an external series and to evaluate the influence of PLOS on readmission and 90-day mortality. METHODS: All patients registered in the GEVATS database discharged after the intervention were included. We define PLOS as the postoperative stay in days above the 75th percentile of stay for all patients in the series. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression and the model was validated in an external cohort. The possible association between PLOS and readmission and mortality at 90 days was analyzed. RESULTS: 3473 patients were included in the study. The median postoperative stay was 5 days (IQR: 4-7). 815 patients had PLOS (≥8 days), of which 79.9% had postoperative complications. The final model included as variables: age, BMI, male sex, ppoFEV1%, ppoDLCO% and thoracotomy; the AUC in the referral series was 0.684 (95% CI: 0.661-0.706) and in the validation series was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.681-0.78). A significant association was found between PLOS and readmission (p < .000) and 90-day mortality (p < .000). CONCLUSIONS: The variables age, BMI, male sex, ppoFEV1%, ppoDLCO% and thoracotomy affect PLOS. PLOS is associated with an increased risk of readmission and 90-day mortality. 20% of PLOS are not related to the occurrence of postoperative complications.

Operating time: an independent and modifiable risk factor for short-term complications after video-thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between operating time and postoperative morbidity has not been fully characterized in lung resection surgery. We aimed to determine the variables associated with prolonged operative times and their influence on postoperative complications after video-thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy for lung cancer from December 2016 to March 2018, within the prospective registry of the Spanish Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Group were identified. Operating time was stratified by quartiles and complication rates analysed using chi-squared test. Primary outcomes included 30-day overall, pulmonary and cardiovascular complications and wound infection. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables independently associated with operating time and their influence on the occurrence of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Data of 1518 cases were examined. The median operating time was 174 min (interquartile range: 130-210 min). Overall morbidity rates significantly increased with surgical duration (20.5% vs 34.4% in the 1st and 4th quartiles, respectively, P < 0.05) and so did pulmonary complications (14.6% vs 26.4% in the 1st and 4th quartiles, respectively, P < 0.05). Differences were not found regarding cardiovascular and wound complications. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, operating time remained as an independent risk factor for overall (odds ratios, 2.05) and pulmonary complications (odds ratios, 2.01). Male sex, predicted postoperative diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, number of lymphatic stations harvested, pleural adhesions, fissures completeness, lobectomy site, surgeon seniority, individual video-thoracoscopic surgeon experience and fissureless technique were identified as predictive factors for long operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged operating time is associated with increased odds of postoperative complications. Modifiable factors contributing to prolonged operating time may serve as a target for quality improvement.

Cirugía robótica endotorácica en la patología de tiroides y paratiroides / Robotic thoracic surgery in thyroid and parathyroid pathology

Introducción y objetivo: Durante la última década se ha producido una amplia difusión de los abordajes torácicos mínimamente invasivos para el tratamiento de enfermedades pulmonares y mediastínicas. Clásicamente, la patología quirúrgica torácica derivada de afecciones de tiroides y paratiroides ha sido tratada mediante abordajes abiertos como la esternotomía, la cervicoesternotomía y la toracotomía. Sin embargo, en los últimos años, la cirugía robótica ha surgido como una nueva vía de abordaje mínimamente invasiva que aporta resultados similares y ventajas significativas sobre otros abordajes mínimamente invasivos como la laparoscopia y la videotoracoscopia. Su aplicabilidad en el tratamiento quirúrgico de lesiones mediastínicas ha quedado ampliamente demostrada en la literatura. El objetivo del presente artículo es describir las indicaciones de la cirugía robótica torácica en la patología tiroidea y paratiroidea, así como comentar los principales aspectos técnicos relacionados con estos procedimientos.Síntesis: La cirugía robótica torácica está indicada especialmente en casos de “bocios olvidados” y de bocios ectópicos. En casos de bocios cérvico-mediastínicos el abordaje combinado cervical y torácico robótico ha demostrado ser una opción factible y segura. Por lo que respecta a las.paratiroides ectópicas de localización mediastínica, el abordaje robótico ofrece ventajas significativas como la visión en 3D y la optimización de la maniobrabilidad de instrumentos que facilitan la visualización y disección de la glándula.Conclusiones: La cirugía robótica constituye un abordaje mínimamente invasivo eficaz y seguro para el tratamiento de la patología tiroidea y paratiroidea de localización mediastínica y podría constituir el abordaje de elección en pacientes con bocios olvidados, bocios ectópicos y adenomas paratiroideos de localización mediastínica. (AU)

Introduction and objective: During the last decade there has been a wide spread of minimally invasive thoracic approaches for the treatment of pulmonary and mediastinal diseases. Classi-cally, thoracic surgical pathology derived from thyroid and parathyroid diseases has been treated by open approaches such as sternotomy, cervicoesternotomy and thoracotomy. However, in recent years, robotic surgery has emerged as a new route of minimally invasive approach that provides similar results and significant advantages over other minimally invasive approaches such as laparoscopy and videothoracos-copy. Its applicability in the surgical treatment of mediastinal lesions has been amply demonstrated in the literature. The aim of this article is to describe the indications of thoracic robotic surgery in thyroid and parathyroid pathology, as well as to comment on the main technical aspects related to these procedures. Synthesis: Robotic thoracic surgery is especially indicated in cases of «forgotten goiters» and ectopic goiters. In cases of cervical-mediastinal goiters, the combined cervical and thoracic robotic approach has been shown to be a feasible and safe option. With regard to mediastinal ectopic parathyroids, the robotic approach offers significant advantages such as 3D vision and the optimization of the maneuverability of instruments that facilitate the visualization and dissection of the gland. Conclusions: Robotic surgery is an effective and safe minimally invasive approach for the treatment of thyroid and parathyroid pathology of mediastinal location and could constitute the approach of choice in patients with forgotten goiters, ectopic goiters and mediastinal parathyroid adenomas. (AU)

Similar outcomes after newly implemented rats approach compared to standard vats for anatomical lung resection. A propensity-score matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes after the introduction of surgical innovations can be impaired by learning periods. The aim of this study is to compare the short-term outcomes of a recently implemented RATS approach to a standard VATS program for anatomical lung resections. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing pulmonary anatomical resection through a minimally invasive approach since RATS approach was applied in our department (June 01, 2018, to November 30, 2019). Propensity score matching was performed according to patients' age, gender, ppoFEV1, cardiac comorbidity, type of malignancy, and type of resection. Outcome evaluation includes: overall morbidity, significant complications (cardiac arrhythmia, pneumonia, prolonged air leak, and reoperation), 30-day mortality, and length of hospital stay. Data were compared by two-sided chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients (206 VATS, 67 RATS) were included in the study. After propensity score matching, data of 132 patients were analyzed. The thirty-days mortality was nil. Overall morbidity (RATS: 22.4%, VATS: 29.2%; p=0.369), major complications (RATS: 9% vs VATS: 9.2%; p=0.956) and the rates of specific major complications (cardiac arrhythmia RATS: 4.5%, VATS: 4.6%, p=1; pneumonia RATS:0%, VATS:4.6%, p=0.117; prolonged air leak RATS: 7.5%; VATS: 4.6%, p=0.718) and reoperation (RATS: 3%, VATS: 1.5%, p=1) were comparable between both groups. The median length of stay was 3 days in both groups (p=0.101). CONCLUSIONS: A RATS program for anatomical lung resection can be implemented safely by experienced VATS surgeons without increasing morbidity rates.