Yu-Jen Cheng
Background: For fast recovery from lung cancer lobectomy, a complete thoracoscopic approach can be accomplished via mini-ports using a three-ports two-instrument technique (mini-TPTI). The resected specimen is removed without extending the port wound. Methods: From January 2011 to June 2015, 26 lung cancer patients underwent lobectomy and complete mediastinal lymph node dissection via the mini-TPTI method (group mini-TPTI). The surgical results were compared with those of 26 matched patients who received lobectomy via the three-ports two-instruments complete thoracoscopic technique (group TPTI) and 26 matched patients via the conventional thoracoscopic method (group CTL). Results: Among the three groups, there were no differences with respect to age, sex, stage, and location of the lobectomy using group match. The mean blood loss (57.3±43.4, 125.4±138.3, 178.5±156.1 ml, respectively, p = 0.003) was less in the mini-TPTI group. The mean post-operative drainage time (4.4±1.8, 5.6±1.7, and 7.1±4.7 days, respectively, p = 0.008) and mean hospitalization time (5.9±1.3, 8.9±1.8, 12.6±5.8 days, respectively, p = 0.000) were both less in the mini-TPTI group. The mean tumor size was less in the mini-TPTI group (1.8±0.8, 2.6±1.0, 3.0±1.3 cm, respectively, p = 0.001). The mean number of lymph nodes removed was less in the TPTI group (28.5±10.5, 23.3±11.4, 35.9±18.8, respectively, p=0.007). The mean operation time was less in the CTL group (268.7±73.3, 305.0±86.0, 260.0±73.3 min, respectively, p=0.093). Conclusions: Via mini-ports, lung lobectomy can be accomplished for lung cancer treatment, and patient recovery is faster.