Thoracoscopic wedge resection and segmentectomy for small-sized pulmonary nodules

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Computed tomography (CT) use has increased detection of small lung nodules.
• Ground-glass opacity nodules are increasingly identified.
• Limited resection is preferred over lobectomy for select small lung cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe advanced techniques for thoracoscopic wedge resection and segmentectomy.
• To address technical challenges in minimally invasive lung nodule resection.
• To present methods for improving outcomes in limited lung resections.

Main Methods:

• Utilized hookwire localization in a hybrid operating room.
• Employed three-dimensional (3D)-CT simulation for surgical planning.
• Performed thoracoscopic wedge resection and segmentectomy for small lung nodules.

Main Results:

• Developed methods to overcome technical difficulties in limited lung resections.
• Achieved good outcomes using hookwire and 3D-CT simulation.
• Demonstrated feasibility of complex segmentectomy and subsegmentectomy.

Conclusions:

• Limited resection, individualized for each patient, is evolving for small lung nodules.
• Advanced imaging and localization techniques enhance safety and efficacy.
• Minimally invasive approaches offer viable alternatives to standard lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer.