Clinical analysis of 56 cases of simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for bilateral synchronous multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bilateral synchronous multiple primary lung adenocarcinoma (BSMPLA) is a rapidly increasing disease for which timely and accurate treatment is required. We describe our experience which we hope to establish optimal therapeutic options for patients with BSMPLA. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of simultaneous bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in 56 patients who received histological diagnoses of BSMPLA at our hospital between January 2016 and January 2018. In this retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes, we observed no serious postoperative complications or perioperative death. RESULTS: Four and 28 patients respectively underwent bilateral lobectomy and lobectomy with contralateral sublobar resection, whereas the remaining 24 patients underwent bilateral sublobar resection. Sublobar resection means anatomical segmentectomy or wedge resection. The mean postoperative hospital stay duration was 5.39±2.67 days. Postoperative complications comprising persistent air leakage for more than 5 days was observed in 8 (14.2%) of 56 patients. No severe postoperative complications or deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that simultaneous bilateral VATS is feasible, safe, and reproducible. This therapeutic strategy appears to confer considerable benefits on patients with BSMPLA.