In our present retrospective study, we used propensity score matching of the two groups based on endobronchial lesion location and clinical nodal stage for the valid comparison of two different groups and elimination of possible bias. By using this method, we concluded that comparable operative results could be achieved by VATS anatomical pulmonary resection and conventional thoracotomy. The occurrence of postoperative complications was not different between the two groups. Furthermore, the hospital stay and chest tube indwelling duration were significantly shorter in the VATS group, which could contribute to not only lowering the cost, but also allow patients to resume social activity earlier.