A randomized clinical trial to assess the postoperative pulmonary function and quality of life of preservation of the pulmonary ligament versus division of the pulmonary ligament for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery upper lobectomy

INTERVENTION: Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. In the preservation of the pulmonary ligament (PPL) group, patients are allocated to receive video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) upper lobectomy which preserving the pulmonary ligament. In the division of the pulmonary ligament (DPL) group, patients are allocated to receive video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) upper lobectomy which dividing the pulmonary ligament. Postoperative pulmonary function and quality of life of patients is assessed three to six months after operation for both groups. CONDITION: Postoperative pulmonary function and quality of life of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who undergoing video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) upper lobectomy will performed 3 months to 6 months after operation ; Cancer ; Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Postoperative pulmonary function is measured using the variation of indicators in pulmonary function test between preoperation and postoperation at three to six months after the operation; 2. Quality of life is measured using two standard questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ–C30) and its lung cancer supplementary questionnaire (QLQ–LC13) at three to six months after the operation SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Complications after surgery is measured using patient notes after surgery and before discharge; 2. Chest tube duration(whether thoracocentesis) is measured using patient notes after surgery and before discharge; 3. The number of patients who are capable of a good cough is measured using patient notes on postoperative days one, two and three; 4. Total hospital stay is measured using patient notes on discharge; 5. Time in the ICU is measured using patient notes on discharge; 6. Mortality within 30 days after surgery INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients who never have underwent thoracic surgery and chemotherapy before diagnosed with upper lobe non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are deemed suitable for single intercostal video assisted thoracic surgery.