Use and Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Lobectomy for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the National Cancer Data Base

Using data from the National Cancer Data Base, the surgical and oncologic efficacy of minimally invasive (VATS, robotic) lobectomy were compared to open lobectomy.  Groups were created for comparison using propensity score matching techniques.  VATS compared to open was associated with shorter LOS, higher readmission rates, and slightly better 2-year survival.  Nodal upstaging and 30-day mortality were similar.  No differences were identified comparing VATS to robotic resections for nodal upstaging, 30-day mortality, or 2-year survival.