Staplers versus energy devices for the intersegmental plane separation in thoracoscopic segmentectomy: a comparative...

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Intersegmental plane identification and separation are crucial in segmentectomy.
• Staplers are commonly used for their efficiency, but energy devices offer unique advantages.
• This study compares the clinical efficacy of staplers versus energy devices in uniport thoracoscopic segmentectomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical outcomes of using staplers versus energy devices for intersegmental plane management during uniport thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy.
• To identify risk factors for postoperative complications in this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 89 patients undergoing uniport VATS lung segmentectomy.
• Patients were divided into stapler (n=55) and energy device (n=34) groups based on intersegmental plane treatment.
• Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was used to compare outcomes and identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• Significant differences observed in operative duration, stapler use, surgical expenses, and postoperative complications (P<0.05).
• No significant differences in hemorrhage, drainage, chest tube duration, hospital stay, or pulmonary function at 3 months.
• Energy device group showed a higher incidence of postoperative complications; smoking history and intersegmental plane treatment were identified as risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Energy devices in uniport thoracoscopic segmentectomy lead to longer operative times and higher complication rates but do not affect postoperative recovery.
• Both staplers and energy devices are safe and reliable for intersegmental plane management.
• The choice between staplers and energy devices should be based on specific clinical situations.