[A comparative study of complete video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy and video-assisted mini-thoracotomy in treatment of lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application value of complete video-assisted thoracoscopic (cVATS) lobectomy in the mini-invasive treatment of lung cancer.

METHODS: 90 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had undergone lobectomy were reviewed. According to surgical approach, complete video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy group (cVATS, n = 47) and video-assisted mini-thoracotomy group (VAMT, n = 43) were studied. Numbers of dissected lymph nodes, operation duration, volumes of intraoperative bleeding, duration of postoperative catheter drainage, length of postoperative hospital stay, incidence rates of postoperative complications, postoperative pain scores of patients were compared between the two groups retrospectively.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in numbers of dissected lymph nodes, operation duration, bleeding during operation, incidence rates of postoperative complication between the two groups (P > 0.05). Duration of postoperative catheter drainage and length of postoperative hospital stay of patients in cVATS group were shorter than those in VAMT group (P < 0.05). Pain scores of patients in cVATS group were lower than those at the same time in VAMT group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Complete video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy is safe and effective surgical strategy for lung cancer patients with advantage of rapid recovery.