2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer (Posters)-EP07.03. Meeting the Quality Metric for Minimum Lymph Node Harvest for Robotic Lobectomy for Lung Cancer

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This study examines factors influencing the ability to meet the quality metric for minimum lymph node harvest during robotic lobectomy for lung cancer. The quality metric, set by the Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons, requires the retrieval of lymph nodes from at least one hilar and three mediastinal lymph node stations. The study aims to identify clinical factors that may affect lymph node harvest and analyze the impact of meeting the quality metric on surgical outcomes and overall survival.<br /><br />A retrospective review of the lung cancer database at a single institution was conducted, focusing on patients who underwent robotic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study found that out of 1257 patients, 67 (5.3%) did not meet the CoC quality metric for lymph node harvest. The only variables found to independently influence the ability to meet the metric were surgical technique (surgeon) and the location of the tumor. Other factors such as age, gender, obesity, comorbidity index, pre-operative clinical stage, and neoadjuvant treatments did not impact lymph node harvest.<br /><br />While patients who met the CoC quality metric had a longer median chest tube duration, there were no differences in conversion rate, operative blood loss, chylothorax, or hospital length of stay. Interestingly, meeting the metric did not affect overall survival.<br /><br />The study concludes that adherence to surgical quality metrics is crucial and suggests that improving surgical technique and increasing awareness during left-sided lung resections may improve the ability to meet the CoC quality metric for lymph node harvest. Furthermore, the study highlights that increased lymph node harvest and meeting the metric does not negatively impact surgical outcomes.<br /><br />In summary, this research provides insights into the factors influencing lymph node harvest during robotic lobectomy for lung cancer and the impact of meeting the quality metric set by the CoC. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to quality metrics and suggests ways to improve the ability to meet this specific metric.

Asset Subtitle

Jobelle Joyce Anne Baldonado

Meta Tag

Speaker Jobelle Joyce Anne Baldonado

Topic Early-Stage NSCLC: Limited Resections & Minimally Invasive Approaches

Keywords

factors influencing

ability to meet

quality metric

minimum lymph node harvest

robotic lobectomy

lung cancer

Commission on Cancer

American College of Surgeons

surgical outcomes

overall survival