Comparison of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after thoracoscopic lobar and sublobar resections for non-small cell lung cancer

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Background: Surgical resection of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is associated with prolonged survival. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the long-term effects of the extent of lung resection on patients' quality of life. The aim of the study was to investigate the patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after thoracoscopic anatomic lung resection (lobar and sublobar) for NSCLC. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected PROMs following thoracoscopic anatomic lung resection (lobar and sublobar) for NSCLC stages I-IIA. The primary endpoint was the change in physical function scores at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-surgery. Secondary endpoints included changes in patient-reported shortness of breath and coughing scores post-surgery between the two resection types. Results: A total of 57 patients were included in this study, with 26 patients undergoing lobar resection and 31 undergoing sublobar resection. The mean age was 71.4±8.3 years in the lobar resection group and 70.7±10.5 years in the sublobar resection group (P=0.77). There were no significant differences in the preoperative lung function tests between the two groups [mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) was 88%±17.1% in the lobar group and 83.4%±19.3% in the sublobar group, P=0.37]. The mean baseline physical functioning scores were 78±23 in the lobar group and 73±30 in the sublobar group (P=0.44). Changes in physical functioning scores did not differ significantly between lobar and sublobar resection groups (P=0.76) during the study period and up to 2 years after the surgery. Additionally, the type of lung resection had no effect on symptom scores for shortness of breath (P=0.24) or coughing (P=0.73). Conclusions: Patient-reported physical function, shortness of breath, and coughing did not significantly change from 3 months to 2 years following thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection in patients with NSCLC. The type of lung resection (lobar or sublobar) also had no significant effect on these outcomes.