Transcervical uniportal pulmonary lobectomy.

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Uniportal transcervical video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a novel approach for pulmonary lobectomy.
• This technique aims to provide a less invasive alternative to traditional thoracotomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the surgical technique of uniportal transcervical VATS for pulmonary lobectomy.
• To evaluate the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of this approach.

Main Methods:

• A collar neck incision (transcervical) was used, with sternal elevation.
• Transcervical extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy (TEMLA) was performed, followed by uniportal VATS lobectomy.
• Intraoperative imprint cytology was used for lymph node staging.

Main Results:

• 16 patients underwent the procedure between February and July 2016.
• Two conversions were necessary (one to VATS lobectomy, one to thoracotomy due to bleeding).
• No mortality was observed; three patients experienced complications. Mean operative time for TEMLA and lobectomy was 245.6 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Uniportal transcervical VATS combined with TEMLA enables radical pulmonary resection.
• This approach facilitates superradical extensive mediastinal lymphadenectomy.
• The technique offers a viable option for lung cancer treatment with potential for improved staging and survival.