Comparison of Short-Term Outcomes Between Robot-Assisted and Video-Assisted Segmentectomy for Small Pulmonary Nodules: A Propensity Score-Matching Study

Background Our study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes between robot-assisted segmentectomy (RAS) and video-assisted segmentectomy (VAS) for small pulmonary nodules. Methods The study included of 299 segmentectomies (132 RAS and 167 VAS procedures) for small pulmonary nodules between June 2018 and November 2021. The patients were divided into two groups: the RAS group and the VAS group. Propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis was performed to minimize bias. A logistic regression model was performed to identify the independent risk factors associated with complications. Results Before PSM, the following clinical variables were not balanced: age ( P = 0.004), tumor size ( P < 0.001), forced expiratory volume for 1 s (FEV1), and FEV1 percentage ( P < 0.001). The patients with RAS had a shorter operative time ( P = 0.014), less blood loss, a shorter postoperative hospital stay, less use of strong opioids, less drainage on postoperative day 1, and less postoperative total drainage, but more cost (all P < 0.001). Conversion to open surgery was performed for two patients in the VAS group but none in the RAS group. After PSM, 53 pairs were successfully matched. The data again suggested that the patients with RAS had less blood loss, a shorter postoperative hospital stay, and less use of strong opioids, but more cost (all P < 0.001). The operation time also was shorter in the RAS group, with a borderline statistically significant P value (0.053). Conclusions In our study, RAS had better short-term outcomes than VAS, indicating a safer and more efficient technique than VAS.