Characteristics of minimally invasive lung cancer resection assisted by thoracoscopic surgery

Minimally invasive thoracoscopic-assisted lung cancer resection is a new surgical method for treating lung cancer. Generally, a hole is made in the chest wall to insert surgical instruments, and the corresponding surgical operations are completed under the image on the TV screen. It can be used for the treatment of early non-small cell lung cancer and benign lung tumors, and can also be used for the palliative treatment of lung metastatic cancer. It has the characteristics of small surgical trauma, fast postoperative recovery, difficulty in resection when the specimen is large, and limited surgical indications.

1. Less surgical trauma: Minimally invasive lung cancer resection assisted by thoracoscopic surgery causes less surgical trauma. The hole in the chest wall of thoracoscopic surgery is only about 1.5 cm, which can significantly reduce the patient's pain and surgical risk compared with the 30 cm incision of conventional surgery.

2. Quick recovery after surgery: Minimally invasive lung cancer resection assisted by thoracoscopic surgery has less trauma, less postoperative pain and faster recovery, shortening the hospitalization time. Generally, the patient can be discharged from the hospital about one week after surgery.

3. Large specimens are difficult to remove: When resecting large specimens, such as lung resection, minimally invasive thoracoscopic lung cancer resection requires the assistance of small incisions. In case of severe chest adhesions, tumor invasion, or severe bleeding, thoracotomy must be performed.

4. Limited surgical indications: Patients with surgical indications should be strictly screened for minimally invasive thoracoscopically assisted lung cancer resection. Generally, patients should have less pleural adhesions and a certain amount of free pleural cavity. The lesions should preferably be located on the superficial surface of the lung and be localized.