Thoracoscopic Lung Lobectomy for Primary Lung Tumors in 13 Dogs

To report our experience with thoracoscopic lung lobectomy in dogs with primary lung tumors and compare the long-term outcome between dogs with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracoscopy or thoracotomy.

Retrospective case series; case-control study.

Thirteen dogs with primary lung tumors treated with thoracoscopic lung lobectomy; case-matched cohort of 9 dogs with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracotomy.

Medical records from dogs that underwent thoracoscopic lung lobectomy at a single institution were reviewed. Only cases with primary lung tumors were included. Surgical complications and conversion rate were reported. Cases without conversion and with clean margins on histologic examination were matched on prognostic criteria to cases with primary lung tumors treated with lobectomy via thoracotomy. Survival was compared between thoracoscopy and thoracotomy.

Thirteen dogs with primary lung tumors that measured 2.2-7 cm underwent thoracoscopic lung lobectomy. Nine dogs were diagnosed with carcinoma and 4 with histiocytic sarcoma. There were 3 conversions to open thoracotomy because of poor visualization. There were no differences in short-term outcome between dogs that had their procedures completed via thoracoscopy and those that were converted to thoracotomy. Nine dogs with clean margins were matched with 9 dogs treated via thoracotomy. Mean (standard deviation) followup was 367 (327) days for dogs undergoing thoracoscopy and 603 (612) days for dogs undergoing thoracotomy. The 2-year survival rate was 44% for thoracoscopy and 56% for thoracotomy (P = .942).

Selected primary lung tumors in dogs can be safely resected with thoracoscopy and not affect long-term outcome.