title: Cross-sectional survey on lobectomy approach (X-SOLA).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) can be performed either through open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). To improve the understanding of current attitudes of the thoracic community toward VATS lobectomy, the Collaborative Research Group conducted the Cross-sectional Survey on Lobectomy Approach (X-SOLA) study. We surveyed a large cohort of lobectomy-performing thoracic surgeons to examine their adoption of VATS lobectomy and their opinions of this technique vs conventional open thoracotomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants included thoracic surgeons identified through an international index search from the Web of Science and the cardiothoracic surgery network. A confidential questionnaire was e-mailed in June 2012. Nonresponders were given two reminder e-mails at monthly intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The questionnaire, completed by 838 thoracic surgeons within a 3-month period, identified 416 surgeons who only performed lobectomy through open thoracotomy and 422 surgeons who performed VATS or robotic VATS. Of those who performed VATS, 95% agreed with the definition of "true" VATS lobectomy according to the Cancer and Leukemia Group B trial. Ninety-two percent of surgeons who did not perform VATS lobectomy responded that they were willing to learn this technique, but were hindered by limited resources, exposure, and mentoring. Both groups agreed there was a need for VATS lobectomy training in thoracic residency programs and in standardized workshops.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  X-SOLA represents the largest cross-sectional report within the thoracic community to date, demonstrating the penetration of VATS lobectomy for NSCLC internationally. From our study, we were able to identify a number of obstacles to broaden the adoption of this minimally invasive technique.
authors: Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, St. George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Cao
authors: Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors: David H
authors: DH
authors: Tian
authors: Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Wolak
authors: Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Oparka
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, China. Electronic address: drjianxing.he@gmail.com.
authors: Jianxing
authors: J
authors: He
authors: Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors: Joel
authors: J
authors: Dunning
authors: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland.
authors: William S
authors: WS
authors: Walker
authors: Collaborative Research (CORE) Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
authors: Tristan D
authors: TD
authors: Yan
mesh_terms: D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012371:Robotics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D013908:Thoracotomy