Complication rate after thoracoscopic and conventional lobectomy

Aim: To determine whether a thoracoscopic lobectomy used for treatment of primary non-small cell lung cancer shows a higher or lower morbidity in comparison to the conventional resection (thoracotomy) postoperatively. Methodology: 42 patients with the presumption diagnosis of a lung cancer reveived a thoracoscopic lobectomy (n = 28) or a conventional lobectomy (n = 14). Postoperative complication rate (30 days) was analysed prospectively. There were no differences between the groups referring to age, co-morbidity, localisation of the tumor and stage. Results: Patients with a conventional operation revealed a significant higher morbidity in comparison to the patients of the thoracoscopic group (50% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.03). Conclusion: The thoracoscopic lobectomy represents a safe operation method and an alternative to the conventional operation (thoracotomy).