Objective
To evaluate the validity of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pneumonectomy in thoracic diseases treatment.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 34 consecutive patients who underwent VATS pneumonectomy in Xiangya Hospital Central South University between January 2013 and October 2015. There were 26 males and 8 females at age of 35–69 (53.8±7.7) years.
Results
VATS pneumonectomy was completed successfully in 32 patients (5.8% conversion rate). The average operation time was 182.5±52.4 min. The average blood loss was 217.1±1 834.8 ml. Chest tube drainage flow was 3–11 (6.0±1.7) days and postoperative hospital stay was 5–12 (7.6±1.8) days. Eleven patients got postoperative complications (34.3%), mainly pulmonary infections. The 32 patients were followed up for 10 (1–21) months. Two patients died of lung metastasis 16 or 17 months after the operation. One patient died of sudden cardiac arrest 3 months after operation. Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) happened in one patient after hospital discharge in 2 months.
Conclusion
VATS is feasible for pneumonectomy. However, further studies and follow-up are needed to verify the benefits of VATS pneumonectomy for lung cancer.
