The Simultaneous Bilateral Surgical Procedure for Bilateral Primary Lung Cancer

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• The incidence of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC) is rising, presenting treatment challenges.
• Optimal surgical strategies for bilateral lung cancer require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of simultaneous bilateral thoracoscopic surgery for SMPLC.
• To determine the optimal surgical sequence for bilateral lung cancer operations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 32 patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral lung cancer surgery.
• Data collected included patient demographics, pulmonary function, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes.
• All procedures were performed thoracoscopically, with the minor tumor addressed before the main tumor.

Main Results:

• 32 patients (15 male, 17 female, average age 56.4 years) underwent the procedure.
• One conversion to thoracotomy due to bleeding; one patient experienced postoperative complications.
• No respiratory insufficiency, perioperative deaths, or 90-day readmissions were reported.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous bilateral thoracoscopic surgery is a secure and feasible option for selected SMPLC patients.
• Performing the surgery on the minor tumor first appears to be a beneficial approach.