Changes in lung lobar volume and bronchial deformity after right upper lobectomy

Area of Science:

• Thoracic surgery
• Pulmonary anatomy
• Surgical outcomes

Background:

• Right upper lobectomy (RU lobectomy) is a common surgical procedure.
• Understanding the anatomical consequences of RU lobectomy is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
• Postoperative changes in remaining lung lobes and airway geometry require detailed investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anatomical repositioning of the right middle lobe (RML) after right upper (RU) lobectomy.
• To quantify changes in lobar lung volumes and airway branching angles following RU lobectomy in a rabbit model.

Main Methods:

• RU lobectomy was performed on rabbit models (Groups B1 and B2).
• Control groups (A1 and A2) did not undergo surgery.
• Lobar volumes were measured using casting material, and bronchial casts were used to measure airway branching angles.

Main Results:

• The volume ratio of the RML to the total lung increased significantly after RU lobectomy (8.7% to 13.5%).
• The volume of the left lung also increased post-lobectomy (43.0% to 48.8%).
• Significant changes in airway angles were observed, including a decreased angle between the truncus intermedius and RML bronchus and a reduced angle between the RML bronchus and the coronal plane.

Conclusions:

• RU lobectomy leads to substantial anatomical repositioning and expansion of remaining lung lobes, particularly the RML and left lung.
• Measurement of bronchial branching angles provides valuable insights into the postoperative positional changes and compensatory expansion of lung lobes.
• This study demonstrates a useful method for assessing post-lobectomy anatomical alterations.