Two-incision approach for video-assisted thoracoscopic sleeve lobectomy treating the central lung cancer.

Background: We review our experiences with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty for nonsmall-cell lung cancer, using only two incisions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of surgical approach.

Methods: From January 2013 to January 2014, we completed 15 cases of VATS sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty in our hospital. The patients underwent sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty at the following locations: right upper lobe (n = 4), right lower and middle lobes (n = 1), left lower lobe (n = 5), and left upper lobe (n = 6). The operation consisted of VATS anatomic sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty combined with systematic lymph node dissection, using only two incisions.

Results: The patients underwent sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty were no postoperative complications. Median operative time was 183 min; median bronchial anastomosis time was 39 min; median blood loss was 170 ml. Pathological examination showed 12 squamous cell carcinomas and 3 adenocarcinoma. Median postoperative chest tube drainage duration was 4.5 days, and median hospital stay was 6.9 days.

Conclusions: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery sleeve lobectomy with bronchoplasty is a feasible and safe surgical approach, using only two incisions. This way of operation can promote the development of surgical technology.