Project description:BackgroundAnatomical segmentectomy by uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) is a delicate surgical procedure. Hitherto, only few studies have assessed the learning curves of anatomical segmentectomy by U-VATS, with varying data available. The present study aimed to investigate the learning curve and clinical advantages for U-VATS segmentectomy.MethodsThe medical records of patients who underwent U-VATS or non-U-VATS segmentectomy between August 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was employed to illustrate the learning curve of U-VATS segmentectomy. Perioperative parameters were used to determine the structural intervals of the learning curve, and to compare U-VATS and non-U-VATS segmentectomy.ResultsIn total, 122 patients receiving U-VATS segmentectomy and 98 patients receiving non-VATS segmentectomy were included. Of these, 116 patients underwent successful U-VATS segmentectomy, while the other six patients underwent conversions. The structural intervals of 20-29 cases and 58-63 cases were determined as the threshold according to the CUSUM analyses. The learning process of U-VATS segmentectomy was therefore divided into three phases. Interestingly, the perioperative parameters differed significantly between Phases 1 and 3, including operative time (Op-T), postoperative hospital stays (Po-Hst), postoperative thoracic drainage (Po-D), and operative failure (Po-F) rates (P<0.05). Moreover, U-VATS segmentectomy in Phase 3 was associated with significantly shorter Po-Hst and Op-T, less Po-D, and reduced postoperative pain compared with non-U-VATS (P<0.05).ConclusionsU-VATS segmentectomy is an ideal alternative to non-U-VATS segmentectomy. Surgeons can preliminarily complete U-VATS anatomical segmentectomy after performing 20-29 cases, and can master the surgical techniques after completing 58-63 cases.
Project description:BackgroundIn recent years, opportunities to conduct anatomical segmentectomies for early stage lung cancer, metastatic lung tumor, and so on have been increasing. Generally, uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) uncommon segmentectomy is technically more complicated because of limited angulation compared to multiportal VATS (M-VATS) and the need to treat peripheral vessels/bronchi compared to common segmentectomy. This study aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of U-VATS uncommon segmentectomy compared with U-VATS common segmentectomy and M-VATS uncommon segmentectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 76 patients in the M-VATS group and 45 patients in the U-VATS group who underwent VATS segmentectomy from January 2015 to December 2020. During that period, the perioperative results of U-VATS uncommon (n=22) segmentectomy were compared with those of U-VATS common (n=23) and M-VATS uncommon (n=37) segmentectomy. Uncommon segmentectomy was defined as any segmentectomy other than segmentectomies of the lingual, basilar, or superior segment of the lower lobe (S6), and upper division of the left upper lobe. All patients in our department underwent preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) angiography and bronchography to image bronchovascular structures and determine the resection line.ResultsPatients characteristics were similar between the U-VATS uncommon segmentectomy group and the U-VATS common segmentectomy group or the M-VATS uncommon segmentectomy group. In U-VATS, there were no significant differences between common and uncommon segmentectomy in operation time, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization, and postoperative complications. Comparing M-VATS and U-VATS uncommon segmentectomies, operation time (145±35 vs. 185±44 min, P<0.001) and postoperative hospitalization (3.1±1.6 vs. 4.2±1.8 days, P=0.02) were significantly shorter in the U-VATS group than in the M-VATS group. There were no significant differences in blood loss, intraoperative bleeding, duration of postoperative drainage and postoperative complications.ConclusionsIn U-VATS, both types of segmentectomies can be achieved with similar results. Moreover, U-VATS shortened operation time and postoperative hospitalization in uncommon segmentectomy compared with conventional M-VATS. U-VATS is a useful approach for uncommon segmentectomy.
Project description:BackgroundAlthough video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy has become widespread, the advantage of uniportal VATS (U-VATS) segmentectomy over multiportal VATS (M-VATS) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to verify the safety and usefulness of U-VATS segmentectomy compared with conventional hybrid/multiportal segmentectomy.MethodsHere, we retrospectively reviewed the data from anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy cases in a single institution from March 2010 to March 2021. Patients were divided into the U-VATS and hybrid/multiportal VATS (H/M-VATS) groups. Perioperative results were compared between the groups after matching for patient background characteristics. In addition, cases of complex segmentectomy were selected from each group and compared in terms of perioperative results.ResultsA total of 180 patients underwent pulmonary segmentectomy during the study period at this institution, comprising 57 cases in the U-VATS group and 123 cases in the H/M-VATS group. After matching for age, sex, disease, tumor location, and type of segmentectomy, no significant differences between the groups were seen in blood loss, major intraoperative bleeding, rate of conversion to thoracotomy, postoperative complications, or re-hospitalization within 30 days after discharge. Operation time (141±46 vs. 174±45 min, P<0.001), postoperative drainage duration (1.5±1.2 vs. 2.3±1.8 days, P=0.007), and postoperative hospital stay (3.4±2.0 vs. 4.6±2.5 days, P=0.006) were significantly lower in the U-VATS group. Subgroup analysis of the complex segmentectomy cases also revealed that operation time (146±34 vs. 185±47 min, P<0.001), postoperative drainage duration (1.5±1.3 vs. 2.2±1.2 days, P=0.021), and postoperative hospital stay (3.0±1.4 vs. 4.9±2.1 days, P<0.001) were significantly reduced in the U-VATS group.ConclusionsU-VATS segmentectomy appears as safe and feasible as H/M-VATS segmentectomy. An experienced surgeon can make a smooth transition to U-VATS.
Project description:BackgroundPulmonary extended segmentectomy is an optional surgical treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer that helps to achieve optimal surgical margins. Here, we describe a challenging instance of extended segmentectomy via uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery with virtual-assisted lung mapping, a preoperative bronchoscopic dye marking procedure.Case presentationA 72-year-old woman presented with two tumors that were clinically diagnosed as early-stage lung cancer; extended right apical segmentectomy was indicated. Because the tumors had appeared unidentifiable intraoperatively, we performed virtual-assisted lung mapping for tumor localization and delineation of the optimal resection area. Surgery was conducted through a single port. All virtual-assisted lung mapping markings were visible. After dissection of the apical vessels and bronchi, a putative intersegmental line was determined using collateral ventilation. Based on the putative intersegmental plane identified by collateral ventilation and the virtual-assisted lung mapping markings, the resection line was delineated. Extended apical segmentectomy along the resection line was successfully performed via uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful. The pathological diagnosis was minimally invasive adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ.ConclusionsVirtual-assisted lung mapping can help to achieve optimal extended segmentectomy via uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery.
Project description:BackgroundMinimally invasive surgeries are increasingly being performed. However, few studies have evaluated the learning curve for uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomies. Therefore, we investigated the learning curve for uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy in our department.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of consecutive patients who underwent uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy at our institution between February 2019 and January 2022. Two senior surgeons [Hitoshi Igai (H.I.) and Natsumi Matsuura (N.M.)] performed all of the surgeries. H.I. introduced uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy in our department and supervised N.M. performing this operation. Resident surgeons participated in the operations as assistants. The learning curve for uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy was evaluated on the basis of operative time and cumulative sum (CUSUMOT).ResultsThe entire team, including resident surgeons, completed the learning curve by performing 60 surgeries. The learning curve consisted of three phases: initial learning (60 surgeries), accumulation of competence (16 surgeries), and acquisition of expertise (17 surgeries), respectively. The operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, and postoperative hospitalization time significantly improved across the phases. N.M. completed the initial learning curve faster than H.I. (16 and 29 surgeries, respectively).ConclusionsUnder supervision by an experienced surgeon, a team successfully completed the learning curve for uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy and achieved good perioperative outcomes, which indicates the importance of appropriate supervision for acquiring expertise for this surgery.
Project description:We performed the technique of uniportal thoracoscopic McKeown esophagectomy. The incision was located in the fourth intercostal space on the right axillary midline. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes were dissected. Four hemlocks were applied to clamp the proximal and distal ends of the aortic arch. The esophagus was suspended with purse-string at the level of the azygos vein arch to assist the dissection of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes. A silk thread was drawn out from the incision in order to remove the subcarinal lymph nodes. A thoracic drainage tube was placed at the back of the incision at the end.