T. Morikawa et al., Technical feasibility of video-assisted lobectomy with radical lymphadenectomy for primary lung cancer, SURG LAP EN, 8(6), 1998, pp. 466-473
The morbidity and mortality for video-assisted curative resection of lung c
ancer was evaluated retrospectively. Forty-one consecutive patients with st
age I and II lung cancer underwent video-assisted curative lobectomy with c
omplete hilar and mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Conversion to an open proced
ure was necessary in two patients. The operating times for the second half
of the series were shorter than for the first half. Compared with patients
receiving a standard open procedure, the video-assisted patients experience
d satisfactory results. We conclude that video-assisted curative lobectomy
with complete lymphadenectomy for stage I and II lung cancer is technically
feasible in the majority of patients, although follow-up is required to de
termine the long-term prognosis. Comparative series between video-assisted
and open procedures should not be conducted until the surgeon has acquired
the necessary video-assisted skills. A prospective randomized trial will de
termine the actual value of video-assisted procedure for lung cancer treatm
ent.