Enhanced recovery after surgery in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery

BACKGROUND This study was designed to investigate the clinical outcomes of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)in the perioperative period in elderly patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer(NSCLC).AIM To investigate the potential enhancement of video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS)in postoperative recovery in elderly patients with NSCLC.METHODS We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 85 elderly NSCLC patients who underwent ERAS(the ERAS group)and 327 elderly NSCLC patients who received routine care(the control group)after VATS at the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital between May 2015 and April 2017.After propensity score matching of baseline data,we analysed the postoperative stay,total hospital expenses,postoperative 48-h pain score,and postoperative complication rate for the 2 groups of patients who underwent lobectomy or sublobar resection.RESULTS After propensity score matching,ERAS significantly reduced the postoperative hospital stay(6.96±4.16 vs 8.48±4.18 d,P=0.001)and total hospital expenses(48875.27±18437.5 vs 55497.64±21168.63 CNY,P=0.014)and improved the satisfaction score(79.8±7.55 vs 77.35±7.72,P=0.029)relative to those for routine care.No significant between-group difference was observed in postoperative 48-h pain score(4.68±1.69 vs 5.28±2.1,P=0.090)or postoperative complication rate(21.2%vs 27.1%,P=0.371).Subgroup analysis showed that ERAS significantly reduced the postoperative hospital stay and total hospital expenses and increased the satisfaction score of patients who underwent lobectomy but not of patients who underwent sublobar resection.CONCLUSION ERAS effectively reduced the postoperative hospital stay and total hospital expenses and improved the satisfaction score in the perioperative period for elderly NSCLC patients who underwent lobectomy but not for patients who underwent sublobar resection.

Long-term survival outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery for patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Background： Video-assisted thoracic surgery （VATS） has been shown to be a safe alternative to conventional thoracotomy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）. However, popularization of this relatively novel technique has been slow, partly due to concerns about its long-term outcomes. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term survival outcomes of patients with NSCLC after VATS, and to determine the significant prognostic factors on overall survival. Methods： Consecutive patients diagnosed with NSCLC referred to one institution for VATS were identified from a central database. Patients were treated by either complete-VATS or assisted-VATS, as described in previous studies. A number of baseline patient characteristics, clinicopathologic data and treatment-related factors were analyzed as potential prognostic factors on overall survival. Results： Between January 2000 and December 2007, 1,139 patients with NSCLC who underwent VATS and fulfilled a set of predetermined inclusion criteria were included for analysis. The median age of the entire group was 60 years, with 791 male patients （69%）. The median 5-year overall survival for Stage Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ disease according to the recently updated TNM classification system were 72.2%, 47.5%, 29.8% and 28.6%, respectively. Female gender, TNM stage, pT status, and type of resection were found to be significant prognostic factors on multivariate analysis. Conclusions： VATS offers a viable alternative to conventional open thoracotomy for selected patients with clinically resectableNSCLC

Partial removal of the pulmonary artery in video-assisted thoracic surgery for non-small cell lung cancer

Lobectomy with partial removal of the pulmonary artery in video-assisted thoracic surgery （VATS） currently remains a challenge for thoracic surgeons. We were interested in introducing pulmonary vessel blocking techniques in open thoracic surgery into video-assisted thoracic surgery （VATS） procedures. In this study, we reported a surgical technique simultaneously blocking the pulmonary artery and the pulmonary vein for partial removal of the pulmonary artery under VATS. Seven patients with non-small-cell lung cancer （NSCLC） received lobectomy with partial removal of the pulmonary artery using the technique between December 2007 and March 2012. Briefly, rather than using a small clamp on the distal pulmonary artery to the area of invading cancer, we replaced a vascular clamp with a ribbon and Hem-o-lock clip to block the preserved pulmonary veins so as to prevent back bleeding and yield a better view for surgeons. The mean occlusion time of the pulmonary artery and pulmonary veins were 44.0±10.0 and 41.3±9.7 minutes, respectively. The mean repair time of the pulmonary artery was 25.3±13.7 minutes. No complications occurred. No patients showed abnormal blood flow through the reconstructed vessel. There were no local recurrences on the pulmonary artery. In conclusion, the technique for blocking the pulmonary artery and veins is feasible and safe in VATS and reduces the risk of abrupt intraoperative bleeding and the chance of converting to open thoracotomy, and extends the indications of VATS lobectomy.

Gastroparesis after video-assisted thoracic surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS)lobectomy is a common treatment for patients with early-stage lung cancer.Some patients can experience slight gastrointestinal discomfort after lobectomy for a moment.Gastroparesis is a gastrointestinal disorder that can be severe;it is associated with an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia and impaired postoperative recovery.Here,we report a rare case of gastroparesis after VATS lobectomy.CASE SUMMARY A 61-year-old man underwent VATS right lower lobectomy uneventfully but had an obstruction of the upper digestive tract 2 d after surgery.Acute gastroparesis was diagnosed after emergency computed tomography and oral iohexol X-ray imaging.After gastrointestinal decompression and administration of prokinetic drugs,the patient’s gastrointestinal symptoms improved.Since perioperative medication was applied according to the recommended dose and there was no evidence of electrolyte imbalance,intraoperative periesophageal vagal nerve injury was the most likely underlying cause of gastroparesis.CONCLUSION Although gastroparesis is a rare perioperative complication following VATS,clinicians should be on the alert when patients complain about gastrointestinal discomfort.When surgeons resect paraesophageal lymph nodes with electrocautery,excessive ambient heat and compression of paraesophageal hematoma might induce vagal nerve dysfunction.

Safety and feasibility of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for stage IIIA lung cancer

Objective： The current study was prospectively designed to explore the application of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery （VATS） radical treatment for patients with stage ⅢA lung cancer, with the primary endpoints being the safety and feasibility of this operation and the second endpoints being the survival and complications after the surgery. Methods： A total of 51 patients with radiologically or mediastinoscopically confirmed stage ⅢA lung cancer underwent VATS radical treatment, during which the standard pulmonary lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection were performed after pre-operative assessment. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss/ complications, postoperative recovery, postoperative complications, and lymph node dissection were recorded and analyzed. This study was regarded as successful if the surgical success rate reached 90% or higher. Results： A total of 51 patients with non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） were enrolled in this study from March 2009 to February 2010. The median post-operative follow-up duration was 50.5 months. Of these 51 patients, 41 （80.4%） had N2 lymph node metastases. All patients underwent the thoracoscopic surgeries, among whom 50 （98%） received pulmonary lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection completely under the thoracoscope, 6 had their incisions extended to about 6 cm due to larger tumor sizes, and 1 had his surgery performed using a 12 cm small incision for handling the adhesions between lymph nodes and blood vessels. No patient was converted to conventional open thoracotomy. No perioperative death was noted. One patient received a second surgery on the second post-operative day due to large drainage （〉1,000 mL）, and the postoperative recovery was satisfactory. Up to 45 patients （88.2%） did not suffer from any perioperative complication, and 6 （11.8%） experienced one or more complications. Conclusions： VATS radical treatment is a safe and feasible treatment for stage ⅢA lung cancer.

A comparative study of the therapeutic effect in two protocols: video-assisted thoracic surgery combined with laparoscopy versus right open transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer management

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the best intra-thoracoscopic surgery technique between video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) combined with laparoscopy and right open transthoracic esophagectomy, in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods: From November 2006 to May 2008, 221 patients with esophageal cancer were enrolled in this study, prospective randomized in two groups. 111 patients were performed the VATS technique (Experimental group), whereas in the other 110 patients esophagectomy was adopted by thoracotomy (Control group). Results: The time consuming of Experimental group was 272.3 min in average with a standard deviation(std) of 57.9, and it was 218.7 min in average with std of 91.0 in the control group (P=0.000). The operative blood loss was 219.7±194.4 mL in the Experimental group, compared with 590.0±324.4 mL in the control group, with significant difference (P=0.000). Postoperative hospital stay of Experimental group was 9.6±1.7d, and it was 11.4±2.3d in the control group (P=0.000). There was no-delayed union of incision in the Experimental group, but 6.36% in the control group (P=0.007). The disorder of gastric emptying occurred 0.9% in the Experimental group, whereas 6.4% in the Control group. There was no significant difference in survival curves and rates (P=0.555). Conclusion: There were several advantages of VATS technique, such as reduced hemorrhage, better recovery, few complications, and great number of lymph node dissection, although there was no significant difference in long-term survival rate. Thus the VATS combined with laparoscopy technique was worthy of generalization in esophageal surgery with good prospects.

Application of Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery in the Standard Operation for Lung Tumors

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the indication and short-term outcomes of video assisted thoracic surgery （VATS） for lung tumors. METHODS Data of 306 consecutive patients undergoing VATS pulmonary resection between January 2009 and August 2010 in Cancer Institute ＆ Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS There were 7 patients who underwent open thoracotomy, accounting for 2.29% （7/306）. The overall morbidity rate of complications and the mortality rate induced by VATS was 1.63% （5/306） and 0.33% （1/306）, respectively. There were no significant differences in morbidity and mortality rate between the patients receiving the VATS and the patients receiving the OT. The overall hospitalization, postoperative length of stay （LOS） and chest tube duration in the VATS lobectomy group （n = 167） were shorter than those in the open thoracotomy （OT）, but the operative time in the VATS group was longer than that in the OT group （n = 124）. There were no significant differences in the number of station of lymph nodal dissection （LND） and number of LND in pathological stage I between VATS group and OT group, but significant differences were found in the number of station of LND and the number of LND in pathological stage II and stage IIIA between the 2 groups. Compared with those who underwent OT wedge resection （n = 72）, the patients who underwent VATS wedge resection （n = 108） had shorter operative time, chest tube duration and hospital LOS, and there were no significant differences in morbidity of the complications and mortality between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION VATS lobectomy can be performed for patients with clinical stage I lung cancer （with tumor diameter smaller than 5 cm, without hilar and mediastinal lymph node enlargement）. VATS lobectomy is superior to OT lobectomy in short-term outcomes, although further studies exploring long-term outcomes through longer follow-up is needed to determine the oncologic equivalency between the VATS and the open lobectomy. VATS is also superior to OT in pulmonary wedge resection.

Comparison of the body pain and trauma degree between uni-portal and three-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of lung cancer

Objective:To study the differences in the body pain and trauma degree between uniportal and three-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of lung cancer.Methods:A total of 108 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received radical operation in our hospital between February 2013 and February 2016 were selected and divided into the uniportal group (n=52) who received uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and the three-portal group (n=56) who received three-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery after the operation methods and related laboratory results were reviewed. Before operation and 24 h after operation, the differences in serum levels of pain mediators, oxidative stress indexes and inflammation indexes were compared between the two groups of patients.Results: Before operation, the differences in serum levels of pain mediators, oxidative stress indexes and inflammation indexes were not statistically significant between the two groups of patients. 24 h after operation, serum pain mediators NE, DA and 5-HT levels of observation group were lower than those of control group;oxidative stress indexes MDA and O2- levels were lower than those of control group while SOD and GSH-Px levels were higher than those of control group;inflammation indexes IL-6, IL-8, CRP and TNF-α levels were lower than those of control group.Conclusion: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for the treatment of lung cancer causes less surgery trauma, and patients' postoperative pain and systemic inflammatory stress response are lighter.

Video-assisted thoracic surgery―the past, present status and the future

Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has developed very rapidly in these two decades, and has replaced conven-tional open thoracotomy as a standard procedure for some simple thoracic operations as well as an option or a complementary procedure for some other more complex operations. In this paper we will review its development history, the present status and the future perspectives.

Application of video-assisted thoracic surgery in the standard operation for thoracic tumors

Objective： To evaluate the short-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracic surgery （VATS） for thoracic tumors. Methods： The data of 1,790 consecutive patients were retrospectively reviewed. These patients underwent VATS pulmonary resections, VATS esophagectomies, and VATS resections of mediastinal tumors or biopsies at the Cancer Institute ＆ Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2009 and January 2012. Results： There were 33 patients converted to open thoracotomy （OT, 1.84%）. The overall morbidity and mortality rate was 2.79% （50/1790） and 0.28% （5/1790）, respectively. The overall hospitalization and chest tube duration were shorter in the VATS lobectomy group （n=949） than in the open thoracotomy （OT） lobectomy group （n=753）. There were no significant differences in morbidity rate, mortality rate and operation time between the two groups. In the esophageal cancer patients, no significant difference was found in the number of nodal dissection, chest tube duration, morbidity rate, mortality rate, and hospital length of stay between the VATS esophagectomy group （n=8 1） and open esophagectomy group （n=81）. However, the operation time was longer in the VATS esophagectomy group. In the thymoma patients, there was no significant difference in the chest tube duration, morbidity rate, mortality rate, and hospital length of stay between the VATS thymectomy group （n=41） and open thymectomy group （n=41）. However, the operation time was longer in the VATS group. The median tumor size in the VATS thymectomy group was comparable with that in the OT group. Conclusions： In early-stage （Ⅰ/Ⅱ） non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomies, VATS is comparable with the OT approach with similar short-term outcomes. In patients with resectable esophageal cancer, VATS esophagectomy is comparable with OT esophagectomy with similar morbidity and mortality. VATS thymectomy for Masaoka stage I and II thymoma is feasible and safe, and tumor size is not contraindicated. Longer follow-ups are needed to determine the oncologic equivalency of VATS lobectomy, esophagectomy, and thymectomy for thymoma vs. OT.

Recent advances in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Thanks to the recent improvements in video-assisted thoracoscopic techniques （VATS） and anesthetic procedures, a great deal of complex lung resections can be performed avoiding open surgery. The experience gained through VATS techniques, enhancement of the surgical instruments ,improvement of high definition cameras and avoidance of intubated general anesthesia have been the greatest advances to minimize the trauma to the patient. Uniportal VATS for major resections has become a revolution in the treatment of lung pathologies since initially described 4 years ago. The huge number of surgical videos posted on specialized websites, live surgery events and experimental courses has contributed to the rapid learning of uniportal major thoracoscopic surgery during the last years. The future of the thoracic surgery is based on evolution of surgical procedures and anesthetic techniques to try to reduce the trauma to the patient. Further development of new technologies probably will focus on sealing devices for all vessels and fissure, refined staplers and instruments, improvements in 3D systems or wireless cameras, and robotic surgery. As thoracoscopic techniques continue to evolve exponentially, we can see the emergence of new approaches in the anesthetical and the perioperative management of these patients. Advances in anesthesia include lobectomies performed without the employment of general anesthesia, through maintaining spontaneous ventilation, and with minimally sedated patients. Uniportal VATS resections under spontaneous ventilation probably represent the least invasive approach to operate lung cancer.

Robot-assisted lobectomy in a patient with poor lung function:Another advantage of robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Patients with poor lung function have a high-risk for pulmonary complications following lobectomy.The development of minimally invasive thoracic surgical techniques allows sicker patients to safely undergo lung resection.Robotic lobectomy could benefit these higher risk patients.Here we present a case of a 58-year-old female patient with poor lung function presented with a 3-cm mass in her lower left pulmonary lobe,who successfully underwent lobectomy via robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.Her forced expiratory volume in one second was slightly improved compared to the preoperative value.Her forced vital capacity continued to improve in the follow-up period.There was no recorded recurrence during the three years follow-up period.

Different dissecting orders of the pulmonary bronchus and vessels during right upper lobectomy are associated with surgical feasibility and postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients

Background: Right upper lobectomy(RUL) for lung cancer with di erent dissecting orders involves the most vari?able anatomical structures, but no studies have analyzed its e ects on postoperative recovery. This study compared the conventional surgical approach, VAB(dissecting pulmonary vessels first, followed by the bronchus), and the alter?native surgical approach, a BVA(dissecting the posterior ascending arterial branch first, followed by the bronchus and vessels) on improving surgical feasibility and postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients.Methods: According to the surgical approach, consecutive lung cancer patients undergoing RUL were grouped into a BVA and VAB cohorts. Their clinical, pathologic, and perioperative characteristics were collected to compare periop?erative outcomes.Results: Three hundred one patients were selected(109 in the a BVA cohort and 192 in the VAB cohort). The mean operation time was shorter in the a BVA cohort than in the VAB cohort(164 vs. 221 min, P < 0.001), and less blood loss occurred in the a BVA cohort(92 vs. 141 m L, P < 0.001). The rate of conversion to thoracotomy was lower in the a BVA cohort than in the VAB cohort(0% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). The mean duration of postoperative chest drainage was shorter in the a BVA cohort than in the VAB cohort(3.6 vs. 4.5 days, P rvival was n= 0.001). The rates of postoperative complica?tions were comparable(P = 0.629). The median overall suot arrived in both cohorts(P > 0.05). The median disease?free survival was comparable for all patients in the two cohorts(not arrived vs. 41.97 months) and for patients with disease recurrences(13.25 vs. 9.44 months)(both P > 0.05). The recurrence models in two cohorts were also comparable for patients with local recurrences(6.4% vs. 7.8%), distant metastases(10.1% vs. 8.3%), and both(1.8% vs. 1.6%)(all P > 0.05).Conclusions: Dissecting the right upper bronchus before turning over the lobe repeatedly and dissecting veins via the a BVA approach during RUL would promote surgical feasibility and achieve comparable postoperative recovery for lung cancer patients.

Early Outcome, Mortality and Major Morbidity after Lung Cancer Surgery for Primary Carcinoma

Background： Radical surgical resection of lung cancer with or without adjuvant treatment is still a prerequisite for cure. Advances in operative and postoperative care led to a decline in complications and mortality rates during the last decades. In spite of different additional modes of treatment, survival is still poor. Methods： We analyzed 968 patients who underwent lung resection for bronchial carcinoma, with non-small cell lung cancer during a 12-year period （January 2004-December 2017）. Postoperative events studied were divided into major and minor complications or death during the first 30 days after surgery. Results： Of 968 patient, 690 （70.5%） were male and 278 （28.7%） female. Mean age 65.5 ± 9.4 years （range： 15-87 years）. Lobectomy was the most used surgical modality in 566 （58.5%） patients, meanwhile pneumonectomy was performed in 112 （11.6%） of patients. Minor complications during surgery occurred in 45 （11.7%） of patients. Continuous air leakage was the most complication after surgery in 25.3%, followed by lung atelectasis in 21.3% and cardiovascular complications in 17%. Of the life threatening complications respiratory failure was the most events in 20.0% of patients, followed by broncho-pleural fistula in 18.7% and pulmonary edema in 15% of patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.8% （37） patients, 1.2% after single lobectomy and 13.4 % after pneumonectomy. Conclusion： Our results show low mortality and morbidity after lung cancer surgery. However, patients with reduced lung capacity, older age and those undergoing pneumonectomy should be treated with great care.

Effect of ulinastatin on the inflammatory response after video-assisted thoracic lobectomy in patients with lung cancer:a randomized controlled study

Background:The first-line treatment for lung cancer is surgical resection,and one-lung ventilation(OLV)is the most basic anesthetic management method in lung surgery.During OLV,inflammatory cytokines are released in response to the lung tissue damage and promote local and contralateral lung damage through the systemic circulation.We designed a randomized,prospective study to evaluate the effect of the urinary trypsin inhibitor(UTI)ulinastatin on the inflammatory response after video-assisted thoracic lobectomy in patients with lung cancer.Methods:Adult patients aged 19 to 70 years,who were scheduled for video-assisted thoracic lobectomy surgery to treat lung cancer between May 2020 and August 2020,were enrolled in this randomized,prospective study.UTI(300,000 units)mixed with 100 mL of normal saline in the ulinastatin group and 100 mL of normal saline in the control group was administered over 1 h after inducing anesthesia.Results:The baseline(T0)interferon-γ(IFN-γ)/interleukin-4(IL-4)ratio was not different between the groups(6941.3±2778.7vs.6954.3±2752.4 pg/mL,respectively;P>0.05).The IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was significantly higher in ulinastatin group at 30 min after entering the recovery room than control group(20,148.2±5054.3vs.6674.0±2963.6,respectively;adjustedP<0.017).Conclusion:Administering UTI attenuated the anti-inflammatory response,in terms of INF-γexpression and the IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio,after video-assisted thoracic surgery in lung cancer patients.Trial registration:Clinical Research Information Service of Korea National Institute of Health(CRIS),KCT0005533.

Lobectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)for early stage of non-small cell lung cancer

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery(VATS)provides a new approach for treating early-stage lung cancer.Lobectomy by VATS has many advantages over conventional thoracotomy,such as shorter recovery time,less postoperative pain,and faster resumption of a normal lifestyle.However,there is still much debate on the role of VATS in lobectomy for the treatment of lung cancer.Concerns regarding safety,the extent of mediastinal lymph node dissection,and long-term survival have made some surgeons apprehensive of its validity for lung cancer.In this paper,we review the development of thoracoscopy,the present status of VATS for early stage of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC),and comparison between VATS and open thoracotomy in the management of NSCLC.

Completely video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy versus open lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer greater than 5 cm：a retrospective study

Background Completely video-assisted thoracoscopic Iobectomy is a reasonable treatment for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer （NSCLC）.At present,the indication for this procedure is stage la and Ib peripheral lung cancer （（〈-）5 cm）; however,for larger tumors,it remains controversial whether this surgical technique is comparable to open Iobectomy.This study aimed to evaluate the safety,completeness,and efficacy of thoracoscopic Iobectomy,and to compare this technique with open Iobectomy for the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer when the tumor＇s diameter was greater than 5 cm.Methods From May 2001 to April 2011,802 patients underwent a Iobectomy for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer at our center.In 133 patients,the tumor was 〉 5 cm.There were 98 men and 35 women,median age 63 years （range：29-81 years）.We divided the patients into two groups,group V （completely video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery）,and group T （open Iobectomy）,and evaluated the two groups for age,gender,tumor size,pathological type,location,duration of surgery,blood loss,lymph node dissection,pathological stage,time of drainage,hospitalization,complications,overall survival and recurrence.Results There were 46 cases in group V and 87 cases in group T.Age,gender,tumor size,location,pathological type and stage were similar between the two groups.Group V had shorter operative duration （（186.5±62.8） minutes vs.（256.7±67.5） minutes,P 〈0.001） and reduced bleeding （（218.5±174.6） ml vs.（556.9±187.2） ml,P 〈0.001）.There were no significant differences between the two groups in complications,lymph node dissection,time of drainage and hospitalization.The recurrence between the two groups was equivalent （2.4% vs.3.8%,P=0.670）.The overall survival at 1,2 and 3 years was 95.1%,81.6% and 69.6% for group V and 88.3%,78.8% and 64.0% for group T.Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that there was no significant differences between the two groups （P=0.129）.Conclusions Completely video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy was similar to open lobectomy in safety,completeness,and efficacy,but had a shorter operative duration,and reduced bleeding.This is a minimally invasive procedure that is feasible for a subset of non-small-cell lung cancer patients with tumor size 〉 5 cm.

Resectable left lower lobe non-small cell lung cancer with lymph node metastasis is related to unfavorable outcomes

Background:Despite numerous previous studies,the consideration of tumor location as a prognostic factor in resectable non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)remains controversial.The present study analyzed the association between tumor location and clinical outcome in patients with resectable NSCLC who had undergone lobectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy and who had presented with varying nodal statuses.Methods:The data from a cohort of 627 eligible patients treated in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between January 2000 and December 2008 were retrospectively collected,and the nodal statuses of patients with different tumor locations were compared.Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to determine the independent factors related to cancer-specific survival(CSS).Results:Multivariate analysis demonstrated that left lower lobe(LLL)tumors[hazard ratio(HR):1.465,95%confidence interval(CI)1.090-1.969,P=0.011],lymph node metastasis(HR:2.742,95%CI 2.145-3.507,P<0.001),and a tumor size of>4 cm(HR:1.474,95%CI 1.151-1.888,P=0.002)were three independent prognosticators in patients with resectable NSCLC.However,LLL tumors were associated only with CSS in node-positive patients(HR:1.528,95%CI 1.015-2.301,P=0.042),and a tumor size of>4 cm was the only independent risk predictor in the node-negative subgroup(HR:1.889,95%CI 1.324-2.696,P<0.001).Conclusions:Tumor location is related to the long-term CSS of NSCLC patients with lymph node metastasis.LLL tumors may be upstaged in node-positive patients to facilitate an optimal treatment strategy.

Clinical experiences with 20 cases of single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection for peripheral NSCLC

Objective: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, feasibility of single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy for peripheral lung cancer. Methods: From December 2009 to March 2011, 20 patients with peripheral lung cancer were treated with single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy and systemic lymph nodes dissection. Results: Surgeries were successfully performed. No significant complications occurred perioperatively. The average operation time was 193 min, the average blood loss was 234 ml, the average duration of drainage was 6 d, the postoperative hospital stay was 12 d, and the average number of lymph nodes dissected was 16. Conclusion: Single-direction thoracoscopic lobectomy is feasible and safe in the treatment of peripheral lung cancer and can simplify the surgical procedures.

Advances and controversies in the management of early stage nonsmall cell lung cancer

Complete resection continues to be the gold standard for the treatment of earlystage lung cancer.The landmark Lung Cancer Study Group trial in 1995 established lobectomy as the minimum intervention necessary for the management of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer,as it was associated with lower recurrence and metastasis rates than sublobar resection and lower postoperative morbidity and mortality than pneumonectomy.There is a growing tendency to perform sublobar resection in selected cases,as,depending on factors such as tumor size,histologic subtype,lymph node involvement,and resection margins,it can produce similar oncological results to lobectomy.Alternative treatments such as stereotactic body radiotherapy and radiofrequency ablation can also produce good outcomes in inoperable patients or patients who refuse surgery.