The use of segmentectomy for peripheral T ≤2 cm, N0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has increased in the last decade. We sought to compare clinical outcomes and overall survival between robotic, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and open segmentectomy. The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with clinical T ≤2 cm, N0 NSCLC who underwent segmentectomy via robotic, thoracoscopic (VATS), and open approaches (2010 to 2015). Univariate and Cox regression analyses were used to compare surgical approaches and to evaluate predictors of overall survival. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS Version 21.0. Segmentectomy was performed in 3,888 patients during the study period with 406 robotic, 1,837 VATS, and 1,645 open patients. VATS and robotic segmentectomy were performed more often at academic or comprehensive community cancer programs as compared to community programs (P < 0.05). Conversion to open thoracotomy was similar between robotic and VATS groups when stratified by hospital volume. Lymph node yield was significantly higher for robotic (median = 6), compared to VATS (median = 5) or open (median = 4; P < 0.001). Length of stay was decreased for robotic versus open (P < 0.01). No differences in 30-day readmissions (P = 0.12) were observed among the 3 modalities. Overall survival was similar among groups (P = 0.18). Robotic segmentectomy provides similar clinical outcomes compared to other standardized approaches for clinical T ≤2 cm, N0 NSCLC. A higher lymph node yield in robotic segmentectomy was not associated with improved survival in this study population.

Society for Translational Medicine Expert Consensus on the prevention and treatment of postoperative pulmonary infection in esophageal cancer patients

Endobronchial valves: a bridge to definitive surgical management in COVID-19 recurrent pneumothorax

Introduction: Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment for locally advanced resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In clinical trials, the combination of neoadjuvant immunotherapy and chemotherapy has resulted in a higher rate of pathologic complete response in comparison with neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. Our study aims to describe surgical and oncological outcomes after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and lung resection at our academic center outside clinical trials. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 54 patients who received neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy and underwent surgical resection from 2018 to 2024. Demographics, pre-operative systemic treatment, surgical approach and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Results: The median age was 65 years, 46% were female, and 67% of patients had a non-squamous histology, chiefly adenocarcinoma. The most common clinical stage was IIIA (54%). Major findings include a 41% pathologic complete response (pCR) and 52% major pathologic response (MPR) rate. Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy resulted in downstaging in 78% (n = 42) of patients. Most patients (83%) had their operation completed robotically. R0 resection was achieved in 96%. Median length of stay was significantly shorter after robotic operations, with no significant difference in complications compared to the open group. At a median follow up of 16 months, 24 months of recurrence-free survival was estimated at 76% (95% CI: 61–94) and overall survival, 93% (CI: 84–100). Conclusion: At our medical center, induction chemoimmunotherapy followed by anatomic lung resection has resulted in a high rate of complete pathologic response, overall survival and recurrence-free survival. The robotic approach after induction chemoimmunotherapy is safe and associated with shorter length of stay and faster recovery time.