Application of the IQQA-3D imaging interpretation and analysis system in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy: a series study

Background: This study's objective was to evaluate and summarize the application of the IQQA-3D imaging interpretation and analysis system in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy. Methods: We collected the clinical data of consecutive patients who underwent uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy for single or multiple pulmonary nodules at Department No. 1 of Thoracic Surgery at Fujian Medical University, Fujian Union Hospital from July 2017 to November 2018. Patients were divided into two groups according to the use of IQQA: the IQQA group and non-IQQA group. General clinical characteristics, operation status, and postoperative recovery were compared between groups. Variations in the segmental bronchi, arteries, and veins of patients in the IQQA group were summarized. Results: This study included 133 cases, 96 in the IQQA group and 37 in the non-IQQA group. There were no significant differences between groups in patient sex, age, preoperative smoking, pulmonary function, maximum lesion diameter, or pathological type (all P>0.05). The proportion of segmentectomies that were moderately difficult or complex was significantly higher in the IQQA group than in the non-IQQA group (28.1% vs. 16.2% and 29.2% vs. 13.5%, respectively; P=0.017). Despite having a higher percentage of more complicated operations, the IQQA group did not have longer operation times or increased postoperative complications. Fifty-live cases (57.3%) in the IQQA group had segmental structure variations, with a total of 73 variations. Among patients who underwent IQQA, 27 (65.9%) in the general segmentectomy group, 13 (48.1%) in the moderate segmentectomy group, and 15 (53.6%) in the complex segmentectomy group had anatomic variations; these differences were not significant. Conclusions: Preoperative 3D reconstruction is necessary before segmentectomy, especially for patients undergoing moderate or complex segmentectomy. IQQA was safe and feasible for preoperative localization of lesions, surgical planning, and intraoperative navigation in uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy and can facilitate complicated segmentectomy.