Lobectomy and segmentectomy using Flex-3D video-assisted thoracic surgery: experience of 429 patients in a single institution

Objective Analyzed surgical outcome following Flex-3D thoracoscopy among 429 cases with lobectomy and segmentectomy in this paper to define its safety and efficacy. Methods From the completion of the Olympus Flex-3D integrated operation room in Shanghai Chest Hospital in June 2015 up to December 2016, a single surgeons team carried out 429 cases of Flex-3D anatomic video-assisted thoracic surgery. Demography, preoperative condition, perioperative period complications and pathology for these patients were analyzed and discussed. Results There was a total of 429 patients including 258 males and 171 females. The age at diagnosis was ranged 21-81 yds. Lobectomy was performed in 313 cases, segmentectomy in 116 cases. Among those with 389 primary malignant tumors, 39 benign tumors and 1 MALT were anatomically resected. The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 11.10±4.58(1-30) and mean sampled lymph node stations 6.10±1.34(1-10). 1 patient was converted to thoracotomy because of vessel injury. The average operation time was 98.00±24.61 min(range, 35-274 min) and the average blood loss was(97.9±24.6)ml(range, 50-400 ml). The postoperative hospital stay was(5.6±1.3) days on average. There was no operative death, and operative complications occurred in 18 patients(4.1%). The 1-year overall survival and 1-year disease-free survival for the lung cancer group were 100% and 99.8%, respectively. Conclusion Flex-3D video-assisted thoracic surgery is a safe and effective surgical procedure featured by its added depth perception to facilitate operation and short learning curve. Key words: Flex-3D; VATS