Analysis of lymph node impact on conversion of complete thoracoscopic lobectomy to open thoracotomy

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of lymph nodes in conversion thoracotomy and its measurements. METHOD Between September 2006 to April 2013, 1006 patients (545 men, 461 women, median age 60 years, range: 13 to 86 years) received a complete thoracoscopic lobectomy. The main procedure was complete video-assisted anatomical lobectomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy. RESULTS All procedures were carried out smoothly without serious complication. Eighty-three cases were converted to thoracotomy (8.2%), including 70 cases of initiative conversion and 13 of passive conversion, in which 59 cases had interference by doornail lymph nodes. The average operative time was significantly longer (272.7 ± 67.2 vs. 186.9 ± 58.1 minutes, P = 0.001); the average blood loss was significantly increased (564.2 ± 507.7 ml vs. 158.0 ± 121.0 ml, P = 0.001); and the drainage time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly longer (8.9 ± 5.0 vs. 6.6 ± 3.5 days, P = 0.001; 12.5 ± 7.7 vs. 9.2 ± 5.8 days, P = 0.001, respectively) in the conversion thoracotomy compared with the complete endoscopic surgery group. CONCLUSION Interference of the lymph nodes was the main reason for conversion to thoracotomy on video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy, which prolonged operative time, increased the blood loss during surgery, and delayed postoperative recovery. Selecting the proper indication of conversion thoracotomy may reduce the negative effects.