Esophageal and Lung Disease

Lobectomy for Stage I Lung Cancers

Lobectomy for Stage I Lung Cancer: Volume

2018 – 2022

Cleveland Clinic surgeons use video-assisted thoracic surgery techniques (VATS) and robotic techniques whenever appropriate for patients who need a lobectomy. These procedures are less invasive than open procedures and can improve outcomes. In 2022, a total of 95 (93%) of lobectomies performed at Cleveland Clinic were done using VATS and robotic techniques.

YearVATS/Robotic (%)Open (%)
201892%8%
201993%7%
202094%6%
202195%5%
202293%7%

VATS = video-assisted thoracic surgery

Source: STS General Thoracic Surgery Database

The majority of lobectomies for stage I cancer are increasingly performed by a minimally invasive technique.

Segmentectomy for Primary Lung Cancer: Volume

2018 - 2022

Segmentectomy volume is increasing with minimally invasive techniques being the predominant approach. In 2022, a total of 50 (100%) of segmentectomies for primary lung cancer at Cleveland Clinic were done using VATS and robotic techniques.

YearVATS/robotic (%)Open (%)
201895%5%
201995%5%
202091%9%
202195%5%
2022100%0%

VATS = video-assisted thoracic surgery

Source: STS General Thoracic Surgery Database

The majority of segmentectomies for lung cancer are increasingly performed by a minimally invasive technique.

Lung Resection: Postoperative Median Length of Stay

2022

Many of the procedures Cleveland Clinic thoracic surgeons perform can be done using both open and VATS techniques. The use of VATS or robotic techniques is associated with less postoperative pain, a shorter length of stay, and a faster return to normal activities.

VATS = video-assisted thoracic surgery

Source: STS General Thoracic Surgery Database

In 2022, the use of VATS/robotic procedures reduced the length of stay for patients who had a lung resection.