A new thoracoscopic technique for pulmonary lobectomies

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive approach for pulmonary lobectomies.
• Selected patients with early-stage lung cancer can benefit from VATS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe an original VATS technique for pulmonary lobectomies performed in the supine position.
• To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient outcomes of this novel surgical approach.

Main Methods:

• The technique involves a supine patient position and a modified retractor for lower lobectomies.
• Two ports, a 6-7 cm access incision, and an additional port were utilized.
• The procedure was performed on twenty patients with stage I lung cancer and poor respiratory function.

Main Results:

• Mean operative time was 80 minutes, including lymph nodal dissection, which is shorter than previous techniques.
• Patients exhibited excellent early pulmonary function and experienced fast recovery times.
• Good cosmetic results were achieved.

Conclusions:

• The described supine VATS technique is a safe and advantageous procedure for pulmonary lobectomies.
• This approach offers benefits for patients, surgeons, and anesthesiologists.
• The technique is recommended for selected patients with early-stage lung cancer.