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

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Robotic lobectomy adoption for lung cancer is increasing globally.
• Evidence on long-term oncologic outcomes is still developing.
• This study details a single institution's experience with 500 robotic lobectomies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report perioperative and oncologic outcomes of 500 consecutive robotic lobectomies.
• To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of robotic lobectomy for lung cancer, including locally advanced disease.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 500 robotic lobectomies (2010-2018).
• Exclusion of segmentectomies, pneumonectomies, and lobectomies for non-cancerous conditions.
• Descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were employed.

Main Results:

• Pathologic stages ranged from IA to IV, with a significant portion of locally advanced disease.
• Low conversion rates (5.2% elective, 0.6% emergent) and short mean hospital stay (3.7 days).
• Common complications included atrial fibrillation (14.2%) and prolonged air leak (9.8%); 30-day mortality was 0.6%.

Conclusions:

• Robotic lobectomy is a feasible surgical option for non-small cell lung cancer.
• The procedure demonstrates low perioperative morbidity and mortality.
• Excellent long-term oncologic outcomes are achievable with robotic lobectomy.