With the development of precision diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer, anatomical segmentectomy has become an important surgical procedure for the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. After the widespread popularization of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), the treatment of lung cancer has entered the era of minimally invasive surgery. Since it was first reported in 2012, uniportal video-assisted anatomical segmentectomy has gained increasing clinical application. Uniportal VATS is less invasive than thoracotomy and traditional VATS. At present, the main research hotspots around uniportal video-assisted anatomical segmentectomy include specific indications, short-term and long-term efficacy, and learning curve. This article will introduce the characteristics, indications and surgical techniques of this procedure, then summarize and discuss the latest research progress of uniportal video-assisted anatomical segmentectomy based on the latest evidence-based evidence.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness between unilateral laminotomy and bilateral decompression (ULBD) with unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) and uniportal interlaminar endoscopy (UIE) in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods A clinical data of 52 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, who met the selection criteria and treated with ULBD between March 2021 and November 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. The patients were allocated into UBE group (23 cases) and UIE group (29 cases) according to the surgical methods. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in age, gender, body mass index, surgical segment, type of lumbar stenosis, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), disc height, and dural sac area between the two groups. Perioperative indexes (incision length, operation time, hospital stay, and surgical complications), clinical indicators (VAS score of low back pain, VAS score of leg pain, and ODI before operation and at 3 days, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months after operation), and imaging indicators (disc height and dural sac area before operation and at 1, 12 months after operation, and dural sac expansion area) were recorded and compared between the two group. Results All operations in both groups were successfully completed. Compared with the UIE group, the UBE group had shorter operation time and longer incision length, with significant differences (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in hospital stay and incidence of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-20 months (mean, 14 months). The VAS scores of low back pain and leg pain and ODI after operation significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in the above indicators between different time points after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at different time points (P>0.05). Imaging examination showed that there was no significant difference in disc height between the two groups at different time points after operation (P>0.05). However, the dural sac area and dural sac expansion area were significantly larger in the UBE group than in the UIE group (P<0.05). Conclusion ULBD with UBE and UIE can achieve satisfactory effectiveness in the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. But the former has more thorough decompression and better dural sac expansion than the latter.
ObjectiveTo compare the perioperative efficacy and safety of robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) and uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (UVATS) in the lobectomy for early lung adenocarcinoma.MethodsClinical data of 70 early lung adenocarcinoma patients, receiving RATS or UVATS lobectomy by the same surgical team in our hospital from November 2018 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 24 males and 46 females with an average age of 59.3±8.9 years. According to different surgical methods, the patients were divided into a RATS group (31 patients) and a UVATS group (39 patients). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, indwelling time, drainage volume, number of lymph node dissected, stations of lymph node dissected and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsThere was no conversion to thoracotomy or perioperative death in both groups. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, indwelling time of thoracic drainage tube, thoracic drainage volume or stations of lymph node dissected between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pulmonary infection, persistent lung leakage, chylothorax, arrhythmia or overall complications between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time of the RATS group was longer than that of the UVATS group (195.8±52.8 min vs. 154.0±43.1 min, P=0.001). The number of lymph node dissected in the RATS group was more than that of the UVATS group (P=0.016).ConclusionBoth RATS and UVATS are safe and feasible in the treatment of lung cancer. The number of lymph nodes removed by RATS is significantly more than that of UVATS.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube with metal support on the formation of thoracic residual cavity after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) upper lobectomy. MethodsThe clinical data of the patients who underwent uniportal VATS upper lobectomy for lung cancer in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2021 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the type of ultrafine drainage tube used in the surgery, the patients were divided into a test group (using metal-supported multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube) and a control group (using ordinary 12F ultrafine drainage tube). The incidence of postoperative thoracic residual cavity and operation-related data were compared between the two groups. ResultsA total of 200 patients were enrolled, including 126 males and 74 females, with a mean age of 57.52 years. There were 90 patients in the test group, and 110 patients in the control group. The incidence of postoperative thoracic residual cavity in the test group was lower than that in the control group (P=0.045). The differences in the postoperative bedtime, postoperative visual analogue scale, postoperative analgesic pump using time, postoperative hospitalization time, times of postoperative thoracentration and drainage, postoperative drainage time and hospitalization cost between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The incidences of postoperative lung infection, pleural effusion and atelectasis complications were lower in the test group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The differences in the preoperative anesthesia time, operation time, intraoperative bleeding and postoperative lung leakage were not statistically significant (P>0.05). ConclusionThe use of multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube with metal support can reduce the incidence of thoracic residual cavity after uniportal VATS upper lobectomy, and can reduce pain and economical burdens and the incidence of operation-related complications, accelerating the recovery of patients after surgery. The application of multi-sided foramen ultrafine drainage tube with metal support in uniportal VATS upper lobectomy can be widely used in the clinic.
Objective To compare the effect of uniportal and multiportal thoracoscopic lobectomy, and to explore the advantages and applications of uniportal thoracoscopic lobectomy in enhanced recovery after surgery. Methods Totally 169 patients with video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in Department of Thoracic Surgery of Sichuan Cancer Hospital from January to December 2016 were enrolled. There were 99 males and 70 females with age of 60.83±7.24 years. Patients were divided into two groups: a uniportal group (78 patients) and a multiportal group (91 patients) . Patients’ clinical and pathological materials were collected. Postoperative pain, complications and hospital stay, etc of the two groups were compared. Results All patients were successfully discharged without serious postoperative complication or death. Patients in the multiportal group had smaller surgical incisions than that in the uniportal group (3.12±0.73 cm vs. 6.38±1.50 cm, P=0.016). Pain scores at postoperative 24 and 48 hours of the uniportal group were less than those of multiportal group (4.18±1.67 vs. 6.54±1.83, 3.05±1.47 vs. 4.68±1.64, P<0.05). Operation data, postoperative complications and hospital stay were similar in both groups. Conclusion Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy makes smaller incisions and can further reduce postoperative pain and dosage of morphine. The operation is safe and worthy of wide application in enhanced recoveryafter surgery.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technique with the interlaminar uniportal endoscopy (IUE) technique for the treatment of L5, S1 lumbar disc herniation. MethodsThe clinical data of 69 patients with L5, S1 lumbar disc herniation who met the selection criteria between January 2020 and December 2020 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into UBE group (30 cases) and IUE group (39 cases) according to endoscopic surgical technique. The general data, such as gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of low back/leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI), was not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Perioperative outcomes [estimated blood loss (EBL), total operation time, extracanal operation time, intracanal decompression time, intraoperative radiation exposure dose, incision length, operative related complications, and postoperative hospitalization stay] and clinical outcomes (VAS score of low back/leg pain before operation and at 3 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after operation as well as the ODI before operation and at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after operation) were recorded and compared between the two groups. ResultsAll patients completed the surgery successfully. The incision length, EBL, and extracanal operation time in UBE group were significantly longer than those in IUE group (P<0.05), and the intracanal decompression time in UBE group was significantly shorter than that in IUE group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total operation time, intraoperative radiation exposure dose, and postoperative hospitalization stay between the two groups (P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-15 months (mean, 13.3 months). Dural tear ocurred in 1 patient of the UBE group, and recurrence ocurred in 1 patient of the IUE group, the others of both groups had no surgery-related complications and recovered well after operation. The VAS scores of low back/leg pain and ODI in both groups at each time point after operation significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS scores and ODI at each time point after operation between two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionThe effectiveness of UBE technique in the treatment of L5, S1 lumbar disc herniation is similar to that of IUE technique, and the efficiency of intraspinal operation is better than that of IUE technique. Although UBE technique is inferior to IUE technique in terms of surgical trauma, there is no significant difference in postoperative recovery between the two techniques.
With the ongoing evolution of minimally invasive thoracic surgery techniques, innovative anatomical approaches facilitating rapid perioperative recovery while achieving optimal aesthetic results and pain-free outcomes have become a pivotal direction in pulmonary resection. While periareolar incisions have demonstrated well-established advantages in cosmetic preservation and pain management in breast and thyroid procedures, the standardization of this approach for video-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary resection requires further refinement. This consensus synthesizes the collective expertise of China's leading thoracic surgery centers in periareolar approach pulmonary resections. It aims to establish comprehensive clinical consensus that encompasses prerequisite surgical criteria, standardized perioperative management protocols, technically optimized operative procedures, and evidence-based complication prevention and management strategies, ultimately providing guidance for the standardized application of this innovative surgical technique.
ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) anatomic basal segmentectomy.MethodsThe clinical data of 15 patients who underwent uniportal VATS anatomic basal segmentectomy between June 2020 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 4 males and 11 females with a median age of 53 (32-70) years. The incisions were placed in the fifth intercostal space across the mid-axillary line. All basal segmentectomies were performed through the interlobar fissure or inferior pulmonary ligament approach following the strategies of single-direction and stem-branch.ResultsAll patients underwent basal segmentectomy successfully with no conversion to multi-portal procedure or thoracotomy. The median operation time was 120 (90-160) min, median intraoperative blood loss was 20 (10-50) mL, median drainage time was 3 (2-5) d, and median postoperative hospital stay was 4 (4-10) d. The maximum diameter of the lesion in the resected basal segment was 1.2 (0.7-1.9) cm. The median resected lymph nodes were 7 (5-12). There was no evidence of nodal metastases. One patient suffered postoperative atelectasis and subsequent pneumonia. No perioperative death occurred.ConclusionUniportal VATS anatomic basal segmentectomy is feasible and safe. It can be performed in a simple manner following the strategy of single-direction.
Objective To compare the short-term efficacy and long-term survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by uniportal or three portal thoracoscopic radical resection. Methods A total of 388 patients who underwent uniportal or three portal thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Anhui Chest Hospital from 2015 to 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups including an uniportal group and a three portal group according to the procedure. The clinicopathological features, perioperative data and long-term survival of the two groups were compared. Results Finally, we included 205 patients with 105 males and 100 females at an average age of 58.73±10.93 years. There were 102 patients in the uniportal group and 103 patients in the three portal group. There was no statistical difference in clinicopathological features between the two groups (P>0.05). But compared with the three portal group, the uniportal group had less postoperative drainage, shorter postoperative catheterization time and postoperative hospital stay (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the number of lymph node dissection stations between the two groups (P=0.058). The pain score at 24 hours after operation in the uniportal group was significantly lower than that in the three portal group (P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in the total incidence of complications and the incidence of pulmonary complications between the two groups (P=0.161 and P=0.275). The median survival period and the 1st, 3rd, and 5th year survival rate in the uniportal group was 63.0 months and 95.0%, 75.2%, 51.5%, respectively. The median survival period and the 1st, 3rd, and 5th year survival rate in the three portal group was 61.0 months and 89.3%, 70.9%, 50.5%, respectively. There was no satistical difference in the survival results between the two groups (P=0.440). Conclusion Uniportal thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer is more minimally invasive and safe and effective in the treatment of NSCLC. It can make patients recover faster after operation.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and short-term efficacy of uniportal and three-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) anatomical segmentectomy for pulmonary nodules. MethodsThe clinical data of 225 patients with consecutive VATS anatomic segmentectomy by the same surgeon in Xuzhou Central Hospital between December 2019 and February 2022 was retrospectively reviewed. There were 85 males and 140 females with an average age of 57.3±11.6 years. These patients were divided into an uniportal VATS group (128 patients) and a three-port VATS group (97 patients) according to the surgical procedures. Single-direction anatomical procedure was utilized in the uniportal VATS group. The operation time, blood loss during the surgery, number of dissected lymph nodes, duration and volume of chest drainage, incidence of complications, and postoperative hospital stay of the two groups were compared. ResultsThere was no conversion to thoracotomy, addition of surgical ports, or mortality in this cohort, with tumor-negative surgical margins. The postoperative pathological staining confirmed 2 (0.9%) patients of lymph node metastasis (pN1) and 4 (1.8%) patients of adenocarcinoma with micropapillary component. As compared with the three-port VATS group, patients in the uniportal VATS group had shorter operation time (115.6±54.7 min vs. 141.5±62.8 min, P=0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (77.2±49.6 mL vs. 96.9±98.1 mL, P=0.050), less total thoracic drainage [394.0 (258.8, 580.0) mL vs. 530.0 (335.0, 817.5) mL, P=0.010], and shorter postoperative hospital stay (7.7±3.7 d vs. 8.7±3.5 d, P=0.031). Both groups showed similar stations and numbers of dissected lymph nodes, incidence of operation-related complications, duration of chest tube drainage, and the drainage volume in the first and second postoperative days (P>0.05). No tumor recurrence or metastasis was recorded in this cohort during the follow-up of 11 (1-26) months. ConclusionSingle-direction uniportal VATS anatomical segmentectomy is safe and feasible for the treatment of pulmonary nodules, with better short-term efficacy as compared with the three-port VATS procedure, including shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss and thoracic drainage. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the precise indications of segmentectomy for lung cancer.