Our Summary

This study looked at what factors might make it necessary to switch from less invasive lung cancer surgeries to a more traditional open surgery. The researchers reviewed the medical records of just over a thousand patients who had either robotic or video-assisted lung surgery between 2016 and 2018. They found that about 16.5% of these patients had to switch to open surgery. Importantly, the switch was much less common when the surgery was initially done with a robot. The researchers identified a few things that made it less likely for a switch to be needed: the use of a robot, smaller tumors, no major symptoms, a lower body mass index, and a certain type of lung surgery. Hence, for patients who are at high risk of needing to switch to open surgery, the researchers recommend starting with a robotic procedure.

FAQs

  1. What factors reduce the need to switch from less invasive lung cancer surgeries to more traditional open surgery?
  2. How common is it for patients to switch from video-assisted or robotic lung surgery to open surgery?
  3. Why do researchers recommend starting with a robotic procedure for patients at high risk of needing open surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing lung surgery that starting with a robotic procedure may decrease the likelihood of needing to switch to open surgery. Other factors that may reduce the need for a switch include smaller tumors, no major symptoms, a lower body mass index, and the type of lung surgery being performed. It’s important for patients to discuss these factors with their healthcare team to determine the best approach for their individual situation.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lung surgery include those with lung cancer, lung nodules, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, lung infections, and other lung conditions that cannot be treated effectively with medications or other non-invasive treatments. Additionally, patients who have tried other treatments but have not seen improvement in their condition may also be recommended for lung surgery.

Timeline

Before lung surgery:

  • Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine the need for surgery and to assess their overall health
  • Patient meets with their surgeon to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and expected outcomes
  • Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or make lifestyle changes in preparation for surgery
  • Day of surgery, patient arrives at the hospital, undergoes pre-operative preparations, and is taken to the operating room

After lung surgery:

  • Patient wakes up in the recovery room and is closely monitored by medical staff
  • Patient may be in the hospital for several days, depending on the type of surgery performed and their individual recovery process
  • Patient will receive post-operative care, including pain management, breathing exercises, and physical therapy to aid in recovery
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing, address any concerns, and discuss next steps in their treatment plan
  • Patient may need to undergo additional treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the outcome of the surgery and the stage of their cancer.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of lung surgery do you recommend for me? Is a robotic or video-assisted approach possible?

  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of the different types of lung surgery?

  3. How likely am I to need to switch to open surgery during the procedure?

  4. What factors might increase my risk of needing to switch to open surgery?

  5. What is the recovery time and expected outcome for each type of lung surgery?

  6. Will I need any additional treatments or therapy after the surgery?

  7. How experienced are you and your team with performing robotic or video-assisted lung surgeries?

  8. What is your success rate with these types of procedures?

  9. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow for a successful outcome?

  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information about lung surgery and recovery?

Reference

Authors: Chen D, Kang P, Tao S, Wu L, Li Q, Tan Q. Journal: Updates Surg. 2021 Aug;73(4):1549-1558. doi: 10.1007/s13304-020-00954-9. Epub 2021 Jan 4. PMID: 33398772