VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) lobectomy is considered a standard surgical modality for both lung cancer and benign lung diseases. However, as VATS lobectomy is being applied to more advanced stage diseases, the rate of conversion to open thoracotomy has increased considerably, ranging from 2% to as high as 23%, especially for patients with more advanced lung cancer.
1 It is essential to understand the causes of conversion when opting for the VATS approach, as adverse outcomes are associated with unplanned emergency conversions. Adverse outcomes of unplanned conversion to open thoracotomy 2 Increased risk of mortality Risk of cancer recurrence Longer operating time Extra lung manipulation Increased risk of injury to adjacent tissue High blood loss The possibility for conversion to an open procedure can be predicted via preoperative planning, which includes the following:…
