Abstract
Background: robot-assisted (RATS) thoracic surgery performed in some thoracic centers for over 10 years (Melfi F.M.A.,2002). Nevertheless, the possibility of robotic technology as an alternative to VATS surgery actively discussed.
Aim: to compare the results of using RATS and VATS lobectomy for pulmonary diseases.
Methods: 117 consecutive patients admitted to hospital for lobectomies: 61 - localized forms of pulmonary TB, 51 - pulmonary tumors, 5 - other lung diseases (bronchiectasis – 2, NMI - 2, pulmonary sequestration - 1). All patients divided in 2 groups: standard lobectomy and lobectomy with lymphadenectomy. CCI was – 1 vs 2, FEV1 was 3,4L vs 2.8L, BMI was 22 vs 27 in the 1st and 2nd groups respectively (p>0.05).
Results: there were 48 RATS and 21 VATS lobectomies performed in the 1st group (operative time and blood loss were 186 vs 226min.,90 vs 105ml for RATS and VATS respectively). There were 21 RATS and 27 VATS lobectomies performed in the 2nd group (operative time and blood loss were 196 vs 260min.,118 vs 190ml for RATS and VATS respectively). Operative time and blood loss were significantly less for RATS lobectomies without lymphadenectomy (P <0.05). In both groups, the duration of air leak (3days for RATS vs 3.5-4days for VATS) and the rate of postoperative complications (5-8% for RATS vs 9-15% for VATS) were lower when using the RATS.
Conclusion: RATS is preferable to perform lobectomy for pulmonary diseases because it provides the best postoperative results, regardless of the performance of lymphadenectomy. Lymphadenectomy increased the rate of postoperative complications, however using of the RATS reduced these disadvantages.
- Copyright ©the authors 2016
