Outcomes of major complications after robotic anatomic pulmonary resection

Background: There is a paucity of robust clinical data on major postoperative complications following robotic-assisted resection for primary lung cancer. This study assessed the incidence and outcomes of patients who experienced major complications after robotic anatomic pulmonary resection. Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective review of patients who underwent robotic anatomic pulmonary resection between 2002 and 2018. Major complications were defined as grade III or higher complications according to the Clavien–Dindo classification. Statistical analysis was performed based on patient-, surgeon-, and treatment-related factors. Results: During the study period, 1264 patients underwent robotic anatomic pulmonary resections, and 64 major complications occurred in 54 patients (4.3%). Univariate analysis identified male sex, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, neoadjuvant therapy, and extent of resection as associated with increased likelihood of a major postoperative complication. Patient age, performance status, body mass index, reoperation status, and surgeon experience did not have a significant impact on major complications. Patients who experienced at least 1 major complication were at higher risk for an intensive care unit stay of >24 hours (17.0% vs 1.4%; P < .001) and prolonged hospitalization (8.5 days vs 4 days; P < .001). Patients who experienced a major postoperative complication had a 14.8% risk of postoperative death. Conclusions: In this series, the major complication rate during the postoperative period was 4.3%. A number of identified patient- and treatment-related factors were associated with an increased risk of major complications. Major complications had a significant impact on mortality and duration of stay.