Thoracoscopic lobectomy and segmentectomy for infectious lung disease

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Thoracoscopic lobectomy and segmentectomy are established for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
• Limited data exists on their application for infectious or inflammatory lung diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracoscopic lobectomy and segmentectomy in patients with infectious lung disease.
• To assess outcomes for these minimally invasive procedures in a specific patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database (July 2004 - June 2010).
• Inclusion criteria: elective thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy for focal bronchiectasis or cavitary lung disease with active infection.
• 212 resections in 171 patients analyzed.

Main Results:

• Average patient age was 59; predominantly white females (93%).
• Indications: recurrent infection, hemoptysis, or antibiotic intolerance in bronchiectasis (86%) or cavitary disease (7%).
• Zero operative mortality; 9% complication rate (prolonged air leak, atrial fibrillation); mean hospital stay 3.7 days.

Conclusions:

• Thoracoscopic lobectomy and segmentectomy are safe and effective for infectious lung disease.
• These minimally invasive techniques offer low morbidity and mortality.
• Optimal surgical approach for resecting focal bronchiectasis or cavitary lung disease.