Comparison of three‐dimensional and two‐dimensional visualization in video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy

BACKGROUND: Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy has emerged as a safe and effective technique for treating early‐stage lung cancer. Novel three‐dimensional, high‐definition (3D HD) imaging has removed this technical obstacle and is increasingly used in laparoscopic surgery. We compared our initial experience of 3D HD VATS with standard two‐dimensional (2D) HD VATS to identify the advantages and disadvantages of 3D HD visualization in VATS. METHODS: The data of consecutive patients diagnosed with lung cancer who underwent 2D or 3D thoracoscopic lobectomy or bilobectomy at the Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute from July 2013 to October 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Operation duration, estimated blood loss, length of postoperative stay, major complications, and mortality were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: In total, 359 patients were enrolled in the study. Lobectomy was performed in 339 patients and bilobectomy in 20; the 3D HD system was used for 178 of the 359 patients, and the 2D HD system for 181. Tumor size, distribution of the resected lobes, and the demographic characteristics of the patients were matched between the two groups. The mean operative time for 3D VATS was 163 minutes (range 60–330), whereas 2D VATS required 184 minutes (range 75–360; P < 0.001). The volume of blood loss was 109 and 144 mL in the 3D and 2D VATS groups, respectively (P = 0.064). CONCLUSIONS: The new‐generation 3D HD imaging system is feasible and safe for thoracic lobectomy. The 3D system required a shorter operative duration.