P2.18-16 VATS Lobectomy and Chest Wall Resection for NSCLC

Abstract

The classic surgical approach in patients with NSCLC invading the chest wall is lobectomy and chest wall resection by thoracotomy in the majority of patients. However, this approach can be performed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic surgery (RATS) as a result of increased experience and technological developments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the technique and its results in patients undergoing lung and chest wall resection by means of minimally invasive surgery. The data of patients who underwent anatomical lung resection using VATS or RATS for NSCLC in three academic hospitals between 2013-2018 were prospectively recorded and reviewed retrospectively. Fourteen patients, all but three males with a median age of 62 ± 6.0 years, undergoing lung and chest wall resection were included in the study. Surgical results were evaluated. Neoadjuvant/induction treatment was chemo-radiotherapy in three and chemotherapy in two patients. The preferred surgical technique was RATS in two patients, and multiportal VATS in 10 and uniportal VATS approach in two patients. Upper lobectomy was performed in 11 patients, lower in two patients and upper lobe posterior segmentectomy in one patient. Standard small incision for chest wall resection was performed in four, Hybrid approach in 10 patients. Five patients had one, 6 patients had two, two patients had three and one patient had four ribs resections. Chest wall reconstruction was not necessary in any of the patients. The mean operation time was 96.4 ± 21.8 minutes. Complications were observed in 5 (35.7%) of the patients without mortality. The most common complication was prolonged, >5 days, air leak in four patients (28.6%). Ten patients (71.4%) were classified as T3N0, one patient (7.1%) as T4N0, one patient (7.1%) as T4N1, and two patients (14.1%) as T3N0M1. Surgical margins were reported as tumor-free (R0) in all patients. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given in eight patients (57.1%). The two-year survival rate was 66.8%. Lobectomy and chest wall resection with minimally invasive surgery is a safe and feasible method in patients with NSCLC with chest wall invasion. Compared with thoracotomy, it provides equivalent oncologic outcomes as well as less postoperative pain, smaller incision, and faster recovery.