500 Consecutive Robotic Lobectomies for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Perioperative and Oncologic Outcomes

Clinical adoption of robotic lobectomy for management of lung cancer is rapidly increasing across the world. Several studies have evaluated the technique with regards to perioperative and cost outcomes, with evidence beginning to grow regarding long-term oncologic outcomes. We report perioperative and oncologic outcomes in our single institution experience with 500 consecutive robotic lobectomies, including a significant portion for locally advanced disease.

This study is a retrospective review of the first 500 robotic lobectomies performed at our institution from 2010 to 2018. Segmentectomy, pneumonectomy, and lobectomy for other conditions were excluded. Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis are presented.

Pathologic stage distribution was IA in 194 (39%), IB in 54 (11%), IIA in 41 (8%), IIB in 109 (22%), IIIA in 83 (17%), IIIB in 11 (2%), and IV in 8 (2%). Elective conversion occurred in 26 cases (5.2%) and emergent conversion occurred in 3 cases (0.6%). Mean length of stay was 3.7 days (1 to 40). The most common complications encountered were atrial fibrillation in 71 (14.2%) and prolonged air leak in 49 (9.8%). Thirty-day mortality occurred in 3 patients (0.6%). Nodal upstaging was 16.6%. Stage specific overall survival outcomes included an 84% survival for stage IA patients, 73% for IB, 68% for IIA, 63% for IIB, and 49% for IIIA disease.

Robotic lobectomy for lung cancer is a feasible technique for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with low perioperative morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, excellent oncologic outcomes can be achieved with this approach.