A Trial on Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery and Axillary Thoracotomy for Resection of Early-stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

The purpose of this study is to establish the effects of VATS lobectomy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

The aims of this study are:

1. To evaluate the early clinical benefits of VATS lobectomy when compared with the axillary thoracotomy.
2. To evaluate the late effects of VATS lobectomy on survival and quality of life when compared with axillary thoracotomy.
3. To establish the normative pattern of VATS lobectomy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
4. To explore the indication of VATS lobectomy for the lung cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Early stage NSCLC and no metastasis of hilum of lung and mediastinum lymph nodes (short diameter ≤ 1 cm) on computed tomography (CT) scan;
• No medical contraindications to lung resection
• Age ≤ 75 years old and ≥18 years old;
• Sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Evidence of invasion into neighboring organs;
• Extensive pleura adhesion;
• Central lesion;
• Not suitable for single-lung ventilation;
• Had history of thoracotomy and radiation for thoracic region ;
• Pregnancy or lactation female patients;
• Cannot sign the informed consent form because of psychological, family and society factors;
• Had history of other malignant tumors within 5 years except for non-melanoma cutaneous cancer, uterine cervix cancer in situ and curative early-stage carcinoma of prostate;
• Participants can not accept operation for other uncontrolled factors.