Outcomes for Thoracoscopy Versus Thoracotomy Not Just Technique Dependent: A Study of 9,787 Patients

The Surgical Renaissance: Advancements in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery and Their Impact on Patient Outcomes

Minimally invasive thoracic surgery has advanced the treatment of lung cancer since its introduction in the 1990s. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) offer the advantage of smaller incisions without compromising patient outcomes. These techniques have been shown to be safe and effective in standard pulmonary resections (lobectomy and sub-lobar resection) and in complex pulmonary resections (sleeve resection and pneumonectomy). Furthermore, several studies show these techniques enhance patient outcomes from early recovery to improved quality of life (QoL) and excellent oncologic results. The rise of RATS has yielded further operative benefits compared to thoracoscopic surgery. The wristed instruments, neutralization of tremor, dexterity, and magnification allow for more precise and delicate dissection of tissues and vessels. This review summarizes of the advancements in minimally invasive thoracic surgery and the positive impact on patient outcomes.

Patient-Reported Outcomes of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Versus Thoracotomy for Locally Advanced Lung Cancer: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The effects of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and traditional thoracotomy with respect to patient-reported outcomes (PROs) have only been assessed for early-stage lung cancer. This study was a longitudinal PRO assessment to compare the effects of these surgeries for locally advanced (stage II and III) lung cancer from the patients' perspective.

METHODS

We investigated lung cancer patients from a previous prospective, multicentre study. Longitudinal data of clinical characteristics and PROs were collected. PROs were obtained preoperatively, daily in the hospital postoperatively, and weekly up to 4 weeks after discharge or the beginning of postoperative adjuvant therapy. Symptoms and impact on daily functioning and quality of life (QOL) were assessed by using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for lung cancer and a single-item QOL scale. Trajectories of PROs over the investigation period were compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 117 primary lung cancer patients (stage II or III), including 63 and 54 patients who underwent VATS and traditional thoracotomy, respectively, were included. During postoperative hospitalization, VATS patients reported milder disturbed sleep (p = 0.048), drowsiness (p = 0.008), and interference with activity (p = 0.001), as well as better work ability (p < 0.0001), walking ability (p < 0.0001), and life enjoyment (p = 0.004). Post-discharge, VATS patients had less distress (p = 0.039), milder pain (p = 0.006), better work ability (p = 0.001), and better QOL (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

Locally advanced lung cancer patients who underwent VATS had lower postoperative symptom burden, less daily function interference, and better QOL than those who underwent thoracotomy.

Racial Disparity in Utilization of High-Volume Hospitals for Surgical Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND

Utilization of high-volume hospitals (HVH) for esophagectomy has been associated with improved perioperative outcomes and reduced mortality. We aimed to test the hypothesis that black-white racial disparities exist in HVH utilization and identify predictors of in-hospital surgical outcomes of esophageal cancer while adjusting for HVH utilization patterns.

METHODS

We queried the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database (1995 to 2012) for esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgical resection exclusively. Only records for patients with self-reported white or black race and a valid New York State ZIP code were included (n = 2,895). Analysis was performed to identify factors associated with HVH hospital (≥20 esophagectomies/year) utilization and determine predictors of complications and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Black patients (361 [12.5%]) were significantly different (p < 0.001) than their white counterparts in the proportion of women, Medicaid, income distribution, and privately insured individuals. Although 55% patients overall utilized an HVH, blacks were significantly less likely to utilize an HVH than whites (odds ratio [OR], 0.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14 to 0.24), even though 74.5% resided within 8.9 miles of one. Operations performed at HVHs were associated with lower in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.65); however, mortality remained higher for blacks (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.65 to 3.30; propensity matched OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.5 to 4.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients were less likely to undergo esophagectomy at an HVH and experienced higher mortality. Efforts should be made to understand factors influencing patients' decision process and improve referral practices to ensure optimal care is provided across all segments of the population, irrespective of race, insurance, or income status.