Feasibility of hybrid thoracoscopic lobectomy and en-bloc chest wall resection

Abstract

Objectives: Lobectomy with an en-bloc chest wall resection is an effective but potentially morbid treatment of lung cancer invading the chest wall. Minimally invasive approaches to lobectomy have reduced morbidity compared with thoracotomy for early stage lung cancer, but there is insufficient evidence regarding the feasibility of hybrid thoracoscopic lobectomy chest wall resection. We reviewed our experience with an en-bloc chest wall resection and lobectomy to evaluate the outcomes of a hybrid approach using thoracoscopic lobectomy combined with the chest wall resection where rib spreading is avoided.

Methods: All patients who underwent lobectomy and en-bloc chest wall resection with ribs for primary non-small cell lung cancer from January 2000 to July 2010 were reviewed. Starting in April 2003, a hybrid approach was introduced where thoracoscopic techniques were utilized to accomplish the pulmonary resection and a limited counter incision was used to perform the en-bloc resection of the chest wall, avoiding scapular mobilization and rib spreading. Preoperative, perioperative and outcome variables were assessed using the standard descriptive statistics.

Results: During the study period, 105 patients underwent en-bloc lobectomy and chest wall resection, including 93 patients with resection via thoracotomy and 12 patients with resection via the hybrid thoracoscopic approach. Complete resection was achieved in all patients in both groups. Tumour size and the extent of resection were similar in the two groups. There were no conversions and no perioperative mortality in the hybrid group. Post-operative outcomes were similar, although patients who underwent the hybrid approach had a shorter length of stay (P = 0.03).

Conclusions: A hybrid approach that combines thoracoscopic lobectomy and chest wall resection is feasible and effective in selected patients. The use of a limited counter incision without rib spreading does not compromise oncologic efficacy. Further experience is needed to determine if this approach provides any advantage in outcomes, including post-operative morbidity.

Figure 1:

(A) Computerized tomography scan showing a right upper lobe lung cancer invading the posterior aspect of the fourth rib that was resected via the hybrid approach. The resection included ribs 3, 4 and 5. (B) Picture showing posterior counter incision for the resection of the tumour shown in (A). (C) Picture showing the thoracoscopic dissection of the inferior and the anterior aspect of the chest wall resection. (D) Picture showing the division of the anterior aspect of the fifth rib under direct thoracoscopic visualization.