The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database Analysis: Comparing Sublobar Techniques in Stage IA Lung Cancer

This study compares sublobar resections-wedge resection and segmentectomy-in clinical stage IA lung cancers. It tests the hypothesis that overall survival after wedge resection is similar to segmentectomy.

Adults undergoing wedge resection or segmentectomy for clinical stage IA lung cancer were identified from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons General Thoracic Surgery Database. Eligible patients were linked to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services database using a matching algorithm. The primary outcome was long-term overall survival. Propensity scores overlap weighting (PSOW) adjustment of wedge resection using validated covariates was used for group difference mitigation. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models analyzed survival. All-cause first readmission, and morbidity and mortality were examined using PSOW regression models.

Of 9756 patients, 6141 met inclusion criteria, comprising 2154 segmentectomies and 3987 wedge resections. PSOW reduced differences between the groups. Unadjusted perioperative mortality was comparable, but wedge resection showed lower major morbidity rates. Weighted regression analysis indicated reduced mortality and major morbidity risks in wedge resection. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no mortality difference between groups, which was confirmed by PSOW Cox regression models. The cumulative risk of readmission was also comparable for both groups, with Cox Fine-Gray models showing no difference in rehospitalization risks.

In clinical stage IA lung cancer, relative to segmentectomy, wedge resection has comparable overall survival and lower perioperative morbidity, suggesting it is an equally effective option for the broader population of patients with clinical stage IA lung cancer, not only those at highest risk of complications.