Video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy in lung cancer patients: a “patient-tailored” surgical approach according to the degree of pulmonary fissure completeness

In the past few years, the advantages of mini-invasive pulmonary video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS-lobectomy) have been gaining increasing evidence, if compared to those of previous “traditional” approach (open thoracotomy), particularly as management of post-operative pain is concerned, Nevertheless, following VATS lobectomy (1), postoperative cardiopulmonary complications (PCCs) still record 20–35% rates even in high-volume top-quality Centres, thus affecting both short-term and long-term outcomes of lung cancer surgery (2).