ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of video-assisted mini-thoracoscopy(VAMT) for radical resection of lung cancer.Methods From April 2002 to December 2008,radical resection of lung cancer was performed on 39 patients by VMAT in our hospital.A 1.5-cm and a 7-to 10-cm incision were made during the operation.Both standard surgical instruments and thoracoscopic set were used to treat the pulmonary vessels,perform lobectomy,and remove the lymph nodes in the mediastinum and pulmonary portal.Results The operation was completed in all of the cases.No peri-operative death occurred.The patients received chest drainage for 4 to 7 days after the operation(mean,4.5 days).Post-operative pathological examination showed primary non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) in 37 cases,metastatic cancer in 1,and carcinoid in 1.In the 37 patients with NSCLC,9 were stage Ⅰa,13 were Ⅰb,5 were Ⅱa,7 were Ⅱb,2 were Ⅲa,and 1 was Ⅲb.Follow-up was available in 35 patients for up to 2 to 12 months in 4,13 to 24 months in 15,25 to 36 months in 8,37 to 48 months in 6,and 49 to 60 months in 2 cases.Among the 35 cases,totally 4 patients died of tumor recurrence or metastasis,1 patient survived with tumor,and the other 30 survived without tumor.The 1-and 3-year survival rate of stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ were 100%(21/21) and 91%(10/11) respectively.All of the 3 stage Ⅲ patients died of recurrence or metastasis in 19,11,and 14 months respectively after the surgery.Conclusions VAMT is effective for radical resection of lung cancer in a short term.Combination of traditional procedure and VAMT is safe and reliable for the disease.