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Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
Sublobar resection in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma
Thomas V Bilfinger1, Daniel Baram
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, New York 11794-8191, USA. tbilfinger@notes.cc.sunysb.edu
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Sublobar resection offers an alternative to lobectomy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It shows similar survival for select patients, particularly those with small tumors or specific conditions.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Lobectomy is the standard for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
- Recent studies investigate sublobar resection for stage I NSCLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the role and outcomes of sublobar resection in stage I NSCLC.
- Compare sublobar resection to lobectomy for NSCLC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent retrospective studies comparing lobar and sublobar resections.
- Analysis of survival, local control, and staging in sublobar resections.
Main Results:
- Sublobar resection demonstrates comparable overall and disease-free survival to lobectomy.
- Optimal outcomes for sublobar resection are associated with tumors <2 cm and margins >2 cm.
- Nodal dissection and staging can be less thorough with sublobar resections.
Conclusions:
- Sublobar resection is a viable alternative for stage I NSCLC patients unable to undergo lobectomy.
- It is also indicated for patients with prior resections, bronchoalveolar carcinoma, small peripheral tumors, and the elderly.
- Evolving radiologic criteria aid in selecting appropriate candidates for sublobar resection.
