[Lobectomy performed through a video-assisted mini thoracotomy, as a new technique in our clinical practice]

In this retrospective study, we present our experiences and results with lobectomy performed through video-assisted mini thoracotomy (VAMT), a technique that we have been using since 2006.

In the first half of 2006 10 video-assisted lobectomies were performed in our department. There were eight women and two men; the mean age was 61.4 (47-68) years. The indications for surgery were the following: benign lesions in three cases, T1N0 squamous lung cancers proved by cytology in six patients, and another case, when the CT suggested - but cytologically not proved - T1N0 lung cancer. After a double lumen endotracheal tube intubation and videothoracoscopic exploration, a 6-8 cm mini thoracotomy was performed. Manual palpation of the lung parenchyma, resection with mediastinal block dissection (in cases of malignancy) was carried out through a 2 cm wide rib spread, without rib resection. Five lower, four upper lobe lobectomies and one upper bilobectomy were performed. There was no perioperative mortality or serious morbidity detected. The mean operative time was 130 (80-200) minutes. The three benign lesions were hamartochondromas. The final histology revealed four T1N0 and two T2N2 stage squamous cell lung cancers, while one T1N2 small cell lung cancer was also found. Lobectomy performed through a video-assisted mini thoracotomy is a safe procedure. The manual palpation, parenchyma resection and mediastinal block dissection can be performed similarly to open procedures.