Intraoperative conversion from video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy to thoracotomy for non-small-cell lung cancer: Does it have an impact on long-term survival?

A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether intraoperative conversions to thoracotomy have an impact on long-term survival for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy initially. A total of 461 papers were found using the reported search, of which 6 retrospective cohort studies represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, date of publication, journal, country of the authors, patient group, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers were tabulated. Five cohort studies clarified that conversion did not compromise long-term survival, whereas 1 cohort study reported worse long-term outcomes after conversion to thoracotomy. However, the limited samples, different characteristics between groups and selection bias due to inherent design made it difficult to make a conclusion. Based on the current evidence, we concluded that intraoperative conversion from video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to thoracotomy for non-small-cell lung cancer might not impact long-term survival compared to a successful VATS lobectomy. In-hospital mortality might not be prejudiced, whereas longer hospitalizations were observed. However, whether conversion would adversely affect postoperative complication rates remained unclear because of the conflicting results. Moreover, 3 studies reported no statistical differences in short- and long-term survival between emergency and non-emergency conversions. Therefore, we suggest that thoracic surgeons should not hesitate to convert VATS into thoracotomy in the case of blood vessel injury or difficult hilum.