Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
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Unilateral Lung Volume Analysis Using Micro-CT for Enhanced Assessment of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Preclinical Models
Published on: June 20, 2025
Three-dimensional computed tomography volumetry and pulmonary function outcomes after segmentectomy versus lobectomy.
Masaya Nakamura1, Tatsuya Goto1, Terumoto Koike1
1Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.
Summary
Sublobar resection and lobectomy offer similar lung function after early-stage lung cancer surgery. Compensatory lung expansion explains the minimal differences, preserving patient pulmonary function.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic surgery
- Pulmonary medicine
- Medical imaging
Background:
- Sublobar resection shows non-inferior survival to lobectomy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
- Postoperative pulmonary function differences between sublobar resection and lobectomy are smaller than expected.
- Compensatory expansion of residual lung tissue may explain preserved pulmonary function.
Purpose of the Study:
- Quantify compensatory lung expansion using 3D-CT volumetry.
- Clarify the role of compensatory expansion in functional preservation after segmentectomy versus lobectomy.
- Compare volumetric and functional outcomes between segmentectomy and lobectomy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 51 segmentectomy and 64 lobectomy patients.
- 3D-CT volumetry preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively.
- Quantified non-emphysematous lung volume (NELV) and low-attenuation volume (LAV).
Main Results:
- Postoperative NELV and FEV1 were similar between segmentectomy and lobectomy groups.
- Compensatory expansion primarily involved NELV.
- Right upper lobe segmentectomy showed better FEV1 preservation than lobectomy.
Conclusions:
- Compensatory lung expansion explains similar functional outcomes between sublobar resection and lobectomy.
- This mechanism accounts for the small postoperative pulmonary function differences observed in recent trials.
- Both surgical approaches effectively preserve lung function through adaptive remodeling.
