The application value of thoracoscopy in treatment of lung cancer

Objective To observe the application and useful value of thoracoscopy in the treatment of lung cancer. Methods Twenty seven patients with lung cancer all had surgical indications and were divided into thoracoscopic group (n = 15) and thoracotomy group (n = 12). In the thoracoscopic group, pulmonary lobectomy was implemented under thoracoscope. In the throacotomy group, the pulmonary lobectomy was operated by conventional thoracotomy. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications were compared in both groups. Results Surgeries in both groups were successfully accomplished. There was no statistical difference in average operation time in the two groups (P 0.05). However, the blood loss and hospital stay in the thoracoscopic group were superior to those in throacotomy group (P 0.01). Complications like pleural effusion, pneumonia, and hypopnea, etc. occurred in the two groups. After 6 to 12 months follow-up visit, there was no recurrent or metastatic cases. Conclusion The application of thoracoscopy on pulmonary lobectomy in the treatment of lung cancer can relieve patient's suffering, reduce intraoperative blood loss, have little impact on lung function after surgery, and maintain a good survival rate equivalent to that by thoracotomy.