Original Article
A single-center experience of 100 image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery procedures
Abstract
Background: The advent of image-guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (iVATS) has allowed the simultaneous localization and removal of small lung nodules. The aim of this study is to detail, in a retrospective review, one institution’s experience using iVATS in this clinical setting, with a special attention to efficacy, safety, and procedural details.
Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Between October 2016 and January 2018, a total of 95 patients with 100 small lung nodules underwent iVATS. All procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room (HOR) in which a cone-beam computed tomography (CT) apparatus and a laser navigation system were present.
Results: The mean size of the 100 lung nodules was 7.94 mm, with their mean depth from the visceral pleura being 10 mm. A total of 98 nodules were successfully localized; of them, 94 were resected through a marker-guided procedure. There were four resection failures [wire dislodgement (n=2) or dye spillage (n=2)]). A significant inverse association was found between localization time (mean: 21.19 min) and the surgeon’s experience (Pearson’s r=−0.632; P<0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.87 days and there were no perioperative deaths.
Conclusions: In the current context of an increase in early diagnosis of lung cancer by screening programs, iVATS performed in a HOR offers a safe and efficient option for simultaneous localization and removal of small pulmonary nodules.
Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Between October 2016 and January 2018, a total of 95 patients with 100 small lung nodules underwent iVATS. All procedures were performed in a hybrid operating room (HOR) in which a cone-beam computed tomography (CT) apparatus and a laser navigation system were present.
Results: The mean size of the 100 lung nodules was 7.94 mm, with their mean depth from the visceral pleura being 10 mm. A total of 98 nodules were successfully localized; of them, 94 were resected through a marker-guided procedure. There were four resection failures [wire dislodgement (n=2) or dye spillage (n=2)]). A significant inverse association was found between localization time (mean: 21.19 min) and the surgeon’s experience (Pearson’s r=−0.632; P<0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.87 days and there were no perioperative deaths.
Conclusions: In the current context of an increase in early diagnosis of lung cancer by screening programs, iVATS performed in a HOR offers a safe and efficient option for simultaneous localization and removal of small pulmonary nodules.
