Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally-advanced lung cancer

Several retrospective studies have confirmed that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a safe and feasible treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. As a minimally invasive technique, VATS usually leads to better clinical outcomes and better compliance with adjuvant treatment than conventional thoracotomy. Uniportal VATS (U-VATS) as an alternative option to conventional multi-port VATS has attracted much attention recently because reduced number and size of incisions may help to decrease inflammatory response and reduce postoperative pain for patients. However, rarely studies have reported the application of U-VATS following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced lung cancer patients.

A total of 29 lung cancer patients undergoing VATS following neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed, including the preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy plan, surgical effect, postoperative complications, operation time, operative blood loss, number of lymph nodes dissected and postoperative mortality.

All patients underwent VATS following two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Among these patients, 26 completed U-VATS, two were converted to triple-port VATS, and one was converted to open thoracotomy. The operation time ranged from 120 min to 300 min (mean: 160 ± 38.5 min); the operative blood loss was 50-500 ml (mean:167.8 ± 78.4 ml); the number of lymph nodes dissected was 16-28 (mean: 21.9 ± 3.7); the postoperative drainage time was 3-13 d (mean: 5.6 ± 1.9 d); and the postoperative hospital stay was 6-16 d (7.7 ± 1.9 d). Postoperative complications occurred in five (17.2%) patients, including three cases of respiratory infection, one case of air leakage (more than two weeks), and one case of wound infection. In addition, the 30- and 90-day postoperative mortality was zero.

U-VATS following neoadjuvant chemotherapy is feasible and safe for the treatment of advanced lung cancer patients.