Non-grasping en bloc mediastinal lymph nodes dissection in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for lung cancer / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the safety, feasibility and operative technique details of non-grasping en bloc mediastinal lymph nodes dissection technique in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery(VATS) for lung cancer.Methods From April, 2014 to March, 2015,46 patients with lung cancer received non-grasping en bloc mediastinal lymph nodes dissection after uniportal VATS lobectomy.Clinical data of the cases were analyzed retrospectively.There were 19 males and 27 females.The age was(57.2 ± 9.0) (38-73) years.The first 6 cases were performed in the lateral decubitus position while the later 40 cases were all performed in the semiprone position.Results All cases accepted uniportal VATS non-grasping en bloc mediastinal lymph nodes dissection successfully.Arm fatigue of surgeon and assistant was obviously relieved when the patient was placed in the semiprone position.The thoracic drainage time was(3.2 ± 2.1) (1-12)days and the postoperative length of hospital-stay was(6.0 ± 4.5) (2-27) days.The number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes stations was (4.3 ± 0.8) (3-6)and the number of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes was (11.8 ± 4.9) (4-30).There were 42 cases with stage No , lease wit stage N1, and 3 cases with stage N2 in pathological examination.Five patients developed minor postoperative complications.No perioperative death occurred.Conclusion Uniportal VATS non-grasping en bloc mediastinal lymph nodes dissection for lung cancer was safe and feasible, which could decrease the interference of the instruments and help to keep the surgical field clear.Non-grasping en bloc mediastinal lymph nodes dissection would be performed more smoothly in the semiprone position with less damage to lung and better ergonomics.