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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
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Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
Lymph node dissection for lung cancer: significance, strategy, and technique
Shun-ichi Watanabe1, Hisao Asamura
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. syuwatan@ncc.go.jp
Summary
Radical lobectomy for lung cancer, a standard since 1960, has evolved. Systematic nodal dissection (SND) now refines intrathoracic staging by assessing mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Radical lobectomy with lymph node dissection has been the standard lung cancer surgery since 1960.
- Intrathoracic staging for lung cancer has advanced significantly.
- Accurate assessment of nodal involvement is crucial for staging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the significance of lymph node dissection in lung cancer surgery.
- To outline recent strategies and techniques for lymph node dissection.
- To highlight the importance of systematic nodal dissection (SND) in intrathoracic staging.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical surgical procedures for lung cancer.
- Discussion of evolving techniques in intrathoracic staging.
- Focus on systematic nodal dissection (SND) for mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes.
Main Results:
- Radical lobectomy remains a foundational procedure.
- Systematic nodal dissection (SND) is integral to comprehensive intrathoracic staging.
- Detailed assessment of nodal status improves disease evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Lymph node dissection is a critical component of lung cancer surgery.
- Systematic nodal dissection (SND) enhances the accuracy of staging.
- Understanding nodal involvement is key to effective lung cancer treatment strategies.
