Abstract
BackgroundVideo-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pulmonary lobectomy has been associated with decreased complication rates and length of stay compared with lobectomy by thoracotomy. No studies have addressed VATS lobectomy in Veterans Administration (VA) patients. MethodsA retrospective review was undertaken of 50 VATS lobectomies performed between August 2007 and June 2009 by one surgeon in a VA hospital, a university-affiliated county hospital, and a private community hospital. ResultsVA patients had more medical comorbidities, poorer lung function, greater current smoker status, and fewer preoperative biopsies. Pleural adhesions or hilar lymphadenopathy were encountered more commonly in VA than nonfederal patients. Surgical times and number of procedures performed were greater in VA patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of postoperative complications or chest tube duration although length of stay was longer for VA patients. ConclusionsVATS lobectomy is feasible in a VA setting. The evidence strongly suggests that veterans can benefit from VATS lobectomy in terms of improved outcomes and diminished length of stay compared with thoracotomy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
