Comparison of VATS and open thoracotomy in anatomical lung resections according to multifaceted parameters

INTRODUCTION: In our research, the data of lung cancer patients operated via VATS and thoracotomy methods were investigated. In the evaluation performed by using versatile parameters, both methods were compared on the basis of objective criteria. Our study was carried out in order to assess the outcomes of both methods.
METHODS: 232 patients who underwent surgery with a diagnosis of lung cancer of various stages between the dates of January 2016 and June 2021 were involved in the research, and the patients’ data were retrospectively scanned. To ensure balance between both groups, cases that were operated on for benign causes, performed pneumonectomy, received neoadjuvant, underwent chest wall resection, and cases converted to open from VATS were excluded from the research. The patients’ hospitalization, amount of drainage, count of dissected lymph nodes, stages, complications and early mortality were reviewed.
RESULTS: There were 81 patients underwent VATS lobectomy and 151 patients underwent thoracotomy, in our study. The mean age was 63.5 in the thoracotomy group, and, 61.8 in VATS group. In the thoracotomy group, there were 31 female and 120 male patients; and in VATS group, 28 female and 53 male patients. The hospitalization times were shorter in VATS group; however, it was not statistically significant. In thoracotomy group, drainage amount and the count of lymph node dissections were significantly higher. The stage was determined significantly earlier in VATS group. Despite the rate of complication was lower in VATS group, there was no statistical difference between the both groups. Early mortality rates were comparable.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Even though our research has limitations, we believe that we will gain better outcomes as our learning curve enhances in VATS.