Subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lobectomy: a report of 105 cases.

Background: To address the feasibility and advantages of subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for lobectomy. Methods: Since August 2014, 105 cases of subxiphoid uniportal VATS lobectomy were successfully performed. The clinical information was retrospectively analyzed. Results: 96 cases underwent unilateral operation and 9 underwent bilateral operations. Surgeries were successfully performed with a complication rate of 10.5%. The average pain scores 8 hours, day 1, 2 and 3 after surgery, as well as the day before discharge were 2.39 +/- 0.99, 2.06 +/- 0.85, 1.68 +/- 0.87, 1.29 +/- 0.78, and 0.48 +/- 0.51, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group (standard intercostal uniportal VATS) (P<0.001). Conclusions: The subxiphoid uniportal VATS lobectomy is safe and reliable, which is appropriate for bilateral lung diseases, and significantly relieves postoperative incision pain.