Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute (Miller Family) Outcomes
Esophageal and Lung Disease
Lobectomy for Stage I Lung Cancers
Lobectomy for Stage I Lung Cancer: Volume
2020 – 2023
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 2023, a total of 120 (94%) of lobectomies performed at Cleveland Clinic were done using VATS and robotic techniques.
| Year | VATS/Robotic (%) | Open (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 94% | 6% |
| 2021 | 95% | 5% |
| 2022 | 93% | 7% |
| 2023 | 94% | 6% |
VATS = video-assisted thoracic surgery
Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Data Base
The majority of lobectomies for stage I cancer are increasingly performed by a minimally invasive technique.
Segmentectomy for Primary Lung Cancer: Volume
2020 - 2023
Segmentectomy volume is increasing with minimally invasive techniques being the predominant approach. In 2023, a total of 69 (96%) of segmentectomies for primary lung cancer at Cleveland Clinic were done using VATS and robotic techniques.
| Year | VATS/robotic (%) | Open (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 91% | 9% |
| 2021 | 95% | 5% |
| 2022 | 100% | 0% |
| 2023 | 96% | 4% |
VATS = video-assisted thoracic surgery
Source: Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Data Base
The majority of segmentectomies for lung cancer are increasingly performed by a minimally invasive technique.
Lung Resection: Postoperative Median Length of Stay
2023, N = 364
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: Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) General Thoracic Surgery Data Base
In 2023, the use of VATS/robotic procedures reduced the length of stay for patients who had a lung resection.
