Surgical technique
sclerosing pneumocytoma, effusion
SCLEROSING PNEUMOCYTOMA, EFFUSION, LEAKAGE
All enrolled patients underwent TUL with both groups receiving the same surgery procedure, except for the treatment of IPL on the surgical side and the lymph nodes around it. With the exception of two patients (one with a benign nodule and another with sclerosing pneumocytoma), all enrolled individuals underwent systematic lymph node dissection as much as possible, including pulmonary ligament lymph nodes (9th LNs). In Group P, the 9th LNs were removed only at the root of the inferior pulmonary vein. In Group D, IPL was separated with an electrocoagulation hook or ultrasonic knife. Paraesophageal lymph nodes and the 9th LNs were further dissected until the inferior pulmonary vein was exposed. It should be noted that at the end of the operation, two chest tubes will be placed. One is designated as closed thoracic drainage tube, characterized by its relatively robust diameter and elevated placement. This tube primarily serves to facilitate the drainage of air. If no significant postoperative air leakage is observed, this tube is eventually removed. The other tube, labeled as disposable drainage catheter, features a comparatively slender diameter and is positioned at a lower level. Its primary function is to drain postoperative effusion. When the quantity of postoperative effusion remains minimal (less than 150 ml/day), this tube is subsequently removed. All operations were performed by experienced thoracic surgeons in our medical centers.