Introduction: Pulmonary resections following neoadjuvant therapy (NT) can be technically demanding. There is a paucity of data regarding the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches in that setting on the National level. In this study, we explored the trends of using MIS approaches following NT and its associated outcomes. Methods: The study included all adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent pulmonary resection following NT between 2010 and 2016. Propensity score (PS) matching (MIS versus open) was performed and the perioperative outcomes were compared. Results: The study included 11,287 patients who underwent pulomonary resection after NT. The percentage of patients undergoing MIS lung resection and the number of hospitals performing one or more MIS increased from 19% and 166 (2010) to 41% and 305 (2016), respectively. When compared with thoracotomy, MIS lung resections were more frequently performed in academic centers in patients with higher income (P < .001). In PS matched groups, the use of MIS was associated with shorter hospital length of stay (5 days versus 6 days; P < .001), compared with open approach. However, there were no differences between the two groups in readmission rate (P = .513), or 30-/90-day mortality (P = .145/.685). In multivariable regression analysis, MIS approach was not associated with worse long-term, all-cause, survival (confidence interval: 0.91-1.09). Conclusion: The use of MIS approaches after NT increased significantly over the study period and was associated with perioperative outcomes and long-term survival comparable to those noted with the open approach.
Keywords: VATS; minimally invasive surgery; neoadjuvant therapy; non-small cell lung cancer; robotic.