Biportal-RATS vs. Uniportal-VATS for Lung Resections: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis from Early Experience

Background/Objectives: Minimally invasive thoracic surgery has evolved rapidly, with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS). Biportal-RATS (Bi-RATS) has emerged as a hybrid technique, combining robotics advantages with the reduced invasiveness of U-VATS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety, perioperative outcomes, lymphadenectomy, and postoperative quality of life (QoL) of Bi-RATS compared with U-VATS for lung resections. Methods: This single-center, observational cohort study included 130 consecutive patients undergoing anatomical lung resection between December 2021 and December 2024. Baseline and perioperative characteristics, including complications, chest drain duration, hospital stay, and lymph node yield, were analyzed. Health-related QoL was assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and EQ-VAS. Propensity score matching (PSM) at a 1:1 ratio was performed to minimize selection bias, obtaining 32 patients per group. Results: After PSM, the baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. Operative time was longer with Bi-RATS (221.3 ± 84.5 vs. 119.3 ± 53.4 min, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in postoperative complications, drain duration, or hospital stay. Bi-RATS seemed to be associated with a higher lymph node yield, particularly in segmentectomies. At 6 months, the overall EQ-VAS was comparable between techniques (78.9 U-VATS vs. 78.1 Bi-RATS; p = 0.832), while among the EQ-5D-5L dimensions, only mobility favored Bi-RATS (p = 0.045). Conclusions: Bi-RATS appears safe and effective, with perioperative outcomes and overall EQ-VAS comparable to those of U-VATS 6 months after surgery. These findings suggest that Bi-RATS may represent a valuable evolution of minimally invasive thoracic surgery.