Technical feasibility of video-assisted lobectomy with radical lymphadenectomy for primary lung cancer

The morbidity and mortality for video-assisted curative resection of lung cancer was evaluated retrospectively. Forty-one consecutive patients with stage I and II lung cancer underwent video-assisted curative lobectomy with complete hilar and mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Conversion to an open procedure was necessary in two patients. The operating times for the second half of the series were shorter than for the first half. Compared with patients receiving a standard open procedure, the video-assisted patients experienced satisfactory results. We conclude that video-assisted curative lobectomy with complete lymphadenectomy for stage I and II lung cancer is technically feasible in the majority of patients, although follow-up is required to determine the long-term prognosis. Comparative series between video-assisted and open procedures should not be conducted until the surgeon has acquired the necessary video-assisted skills. A prospective randomized trial will determine the actual value of video-assisted procedure for lung cancer treatment.