Long-Term Outcomes Of Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Versus Open Lobectomy For Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Propensity Score Matching

The aim of this study was to compare the long-term and short-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS) with those of open lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between well-matched patient groups. NSCLC patients underwent lobectomy with radical intent between January 2008 and January 2013, were divided into VATS and open groups. A one-to-one propensity case-matched analysis was used with covariates of baseline characteristics. Long-term and short-term outcomes were compared between the matched two groups. The two groups were well balanced by propensity score matching and 69 patients were matched. There were no significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival between VATS and open groups. The median blood loss was significantly less with VATS, and the median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for VATS. Complication rate was significantly less in VATS. VATS in selected patients with NSCLC showed similar long-term outcomes, associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and fewer postoperative complications.