Better pulmonary function and prognosis with video-assisted thoracic surgery than with thoracotomy

Abstract Background . Data regarding pulmonary function and prognosis after video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy are limited. Methods . From September 1992 to April 2000, 204 video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomies were performed, and their preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function test results and prognoses were evaluated. Results . The postoperative to preoperative ratio of pulmonary function tests (vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s) were better in video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy than in open thoracotomy ( p p = 0.0173; Mantel-Cox). Conclusions . Pulmonary function and prognosis were far better after video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy than after open thoracotomy.