Comparison of the short-term results of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and open pneumonectomies for non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Introduction: The modern trend of avoiding pneumonectomy is not always possible due to oncological reasons. The aim of the study is to compare the short-term results for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open pneumonectomies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Retrospectively analyzed 39 pneumonectomies performed at one institution by one surgery team for NSCLC from January 2011 to December 2018. There were 19 VATS and 20 open cases. Results: VATS and open groups had no statistically significant differences in age, gender, comorbidity, BMI, FEV1, ejection fraction and clinical stage of NSCLC. The proportion of centrally located tumors and squamous-cell histology were similar in both groups. Left pneumonectomies dominated in VATS group, comparing with open one (95% vs. 45%, p Conclusion: VATS pneumonectomy is safe and effective procedure, suitable for the patients with operable stages of lung cancer.