Abstract
Objective This study aimed to explore the short-and long-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy in older patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods A total of 218 NSCLC patient data between January 2014 and January 2019, which included pathological, clinical, and follow-up surveys on VATS lobectomy, were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 218-patient data analyzed, a total of 77 patients were 70 years of age and older (elderly group), while a total of 141 patients were below 70 years of age (nonelderly group).Results Concerning general preoperative data, the simplified comorbidity score (SCS) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores were higher in the elderly patient group as compared to the nonelderly patient group. Also, elderly patients had poor pulmonary function performance as compared to their counterparts. There were, however, no significant statistical differences found with surgical data between the two groups concerning intraoperative blood loss, operation duration, and conversion to thoracotomy. None of the patients in either of the groups died within thirty days of the operation. Additionally, there were no significant statistical differences in the five-year overall survival rate and the five-year disease-free survival rate between both groups.Conclusion NSCLC treatment with VATS lobectomy is safe and feasible in elderly patients, and it can provide excellent long-term outcomes. However, it is necessary to strengthen perioperative management and promote early postoperative recovery to reduce complications.
Sarcopenia is poor risk for unfavorable short- and long-term outcomes in stage I non-small cell lung cancer
