Uniportal Versus Multiportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy for Lung Cancer: An Updated Meta-analysis

We reviewed the available literature on patients with lung cancer undergoing either uniportal (UVATS) or multiport video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (MVATS).

Original research studies that evaluated perioperative and long-term outcomes of UVATS versus MVATS were identified, from January 1990 to April 2020. The perioperative, along with the oncologic and long-term survival outcomes, were calculated according to either a fixed or a random effect model, appropriately. The Q statistics and I² statistic were used to test for heterogeneity among the studies.

Twenty studies were included, incorporating a total of 1,469 patients treated with UVATS and 3,231 treated with MVATS. The incidence of complications was lower in patients treated with UVATS [OR: 0.76 (95% CI 0.62, 0.93); p = 0.008]. The chest tube duration was significantly lower in the UVATS group (WMD: - 0.63 [95% CI - 1.03, - 0.23]; p = 0.002). Length of hospital stay (L.O.S.) was also lower in the UVATS patient group (WMD: - 0.54 [- 0.94, - 0.13]; p = 0.009), along with postoperative pain [WMD: - 0.57 (95% CI - 0.97, - 0.18); p = 0.004]. No significant differences were found regarding the mean operative time (M.O.T.), mean blood loss, the number of resected lymph nodes, the 30-day mortality, along with the survival at 1 and 3 years postoperatively.

The present meta-analysis indicates that UVATS is associated with enhanced outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for lung cancer. Well-designed, randomized studies, comparing UVATS to MVATS, are necessary to further assess their long-term clinical outcomes.