[Video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomic lung resection: experience of 246 operations]

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is increasingly utilized for lung resections.
• Data on large-scale VATS anatomic lung resections in Russia are limited.
• Assessing the safety and efficacy of VATS is crucial for its broader implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present one of the largest materials of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) anatomic lung resections in Russia.
• To evaluate the outcomes and complications associated with VATS anatomic lung resections.
• To assess the feasibility of wider introduction of VATS in Russian thoracic departments.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 246 patients undergoing VATS anatomic lung resection from 2010 to 2014.
• Procedures included lobectomies, bilobectomies, pneumonectomies, segmentectomies, and trisegmentectomies.
• Patient data included demographics, comorbidities, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes.

Main Results:

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the most common diagnosis (68.3%).
• Conversion to open surgery occurred in 4.5% of cases, primarily due to bleeding or technical difficulties.
• The overall complication rate was 26.8%, with prolonged air leak being the most frequent.

Conclusions:

• VATS anatomical lung resections are safe and effective for a wide range of pulmonary diseases.
• The low complication rate and rapid rehabilitation support the recommendation for wider introduction of VATS in Russia.
• Bleeding risks, particularly with fibrotic changes, are key factors influencing conversion to open surgery.