Research on the application of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection of the lung in elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer aged over 65 years

INTRODUCTION: The literature regarding the application of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection of the lung in patients aged over 65 years with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is sparse. This paper reports 175 cases of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection of the lung performed at one center, of which 63 patients were over 65 years old. AIM: To investigate the safety and feasibility of uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection of the lung in elderly patients aged over 65 years with NSCLC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 175 NSCLC patients who underwent uniport video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection of the lung in the center from August 2018 to August 2020 was conducted, and based on the age of 65 years, patients were divided into elderly and non-elderly groups. The general data and perioperative indicators of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The procedures were completed in all patients without death or conversion to open surgery. In the general data of the two groups of patients, the prevalence of emphysema in the elderly group was significantly higher than that in the non-elderly group (p = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, thoracic drainage tube retention time, postoperative hospital stay, incision satisfaction, or postoperative complications (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection of the lung is feasible and safe in elderly patients with NSCLC aged over 65 years.