Learning curve for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy

BACKGROUND: Anatomical segmentectomy by uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (U-VATS) is a delicate surgical procedure. Hitherto, only few studies have assessed the learning curves of anatomical segmentectomy by U-VATS, with varying data available. The present study aimed to investigate the learning curve and clinical advantages for U-VATS segmentectomy. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent U-VATS or non-U-VATS segmentectomy between August 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was employed to illustrate the learning curve of U-VATS segmentectomy. Perioperative parameters were used to determine the structural intervals of the learning curve, and to compare U-VATS and non-U-VATS segmentectomy. RESULTS: In total, 122 patients receiving U-VATS segmentectomy and 98 patients receiving non-VATS segmentectomy were included. Of these, 116 patients underwent successful U-VATS segmentectomy, while the other six patients underwent conversions. The structural intervals of 20–29 cases and 58–63 cases were determined as the threshold according to the CUSUM analyses. The learning process of U-VATS segmentectomy was therefore divided into three phases. Interestingly, the perioperative parameters differed significantly between Phases 1 and 3, including operative time (Op-T), postoperative hospital stays (Po-Hst), postoperative thoracic drainage (Po-D), and operative failure (Po-F) rates (P<0.05). Moreover, U-VATS segmentectomy in Phase 3 was associated with significantly shorter Po-Hst and Op-T, less Po-D, and reduced postoperative pain compared with non-U-VATS (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: U-VATS segmentectomy is an ideal alternative to non-U-VATS segmentectomy. Surgeons can preliminarily complete U-VATS anatomical segmentectomy after performing 20–29 cases, and can master the surgical techniques after completing 58–63 cases.