Required area of lymph node sampling during segmentectomy for clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer

Impact of number of dissected lymph nodes on recurrence and survival following thoracoscopic segmentectomy for clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the impact of number of dissected lymph nodes during thoracoscopic segmentectomy on recurrence and survival of clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analysed data from prospectively collected consecutive thoracoscopic segmentectomies conducted between June 2008 and September 2023 at a single institution. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test assessed OS. Fine-Gray's test assessed specific death in a competing risk model. The logistic regression model was utilized to predict recurrence, while the Cox regression model was employed to analyse overall survival (OS). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 227 patients were included in the final analyses. The mean follow-up was 38.4 months (standard deviation 35.8). Among all patients, 37 patients (16.3 %) experienced recurrence and 51 (22.5 %) deceased during the follow-up period. The median number of dissected lymph nodes was 9 (interquartile range (IQR) 6-12). No statistical difference in recurrence rate and 5-year OS was observed between cases with dissected lymph nodes > 9 and ≤ 9 (14.6 % vs. 17.6 %, p = 0.549; 75.5 % vs. 69.5 %, p = 0.760). On multivariable analysis, body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.15, p = 0.002), Charlson Comorbidity index (OR 1.28, p = 0.002), synchronous pulmonary cancer (OR 3.05, p = 0.019), and tumour size (OR 1.04, p = 0.044) increased of the recurrence rate, while percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (hazard ratio (HR) 1.09, p = 0.048), history of smoking (HR 1.02, p = 0.009), and solid nodule (HR 1.56, p = 0.010) was related to poorer survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, number of dissected lymph nodes did not impact recurrence rate or overall survival after thoracoscopic segmentectomy for clinical stage I NSCLC.

Three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy (DRIVATS): A prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Anatomical segmentectomy has been proven to be a viable surgical treatment for small-size peripheral lung nodules. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction computed tomography (CT) has been proposed as an effective approach to overcome the challenges of encountering pulmonary anatomical variations when performing segmentectomy. Therefore, to further investigate the usefulness of preoperative 3D reconstruction CT in segmentectomy, we will conduct this prospective, multicenter randomized controlled DRIVATS study to compare the use of 3D reconstruction CT with standard chest CT in video-assisted segmentectomy (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04004494).

METHODS

This study began in July 2019 and a total of 190 patients will be accrued from three clinical centers within 4 years. The main inclusion criteria are patients with a single peripheral nodule 0.8-2 cm with at least one of the following requirements: (i) histology of adenocarcinoma in situ; (ii) nodule has ≥50% ground-glass appearance on CT; (iii) radiologic surveillance confirms a long doubling time (≥400 days). Surgical procedures include segmental resection of the lesion and mediastinal lymph node sampling (subsegmental resection or combined subsegmental resection will not be included in this study). The primary endpoint is operative time. The secondary endpoints include incidence of change of surgical plan, intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate, operative accident event, incidence of postoperative complications, postoperative hospital stay, length of hospitalization, duration of chest tube placement, postoperative 30-day mortality, dissection of lymph nodes, overall survival, disease-free survival, preoperative lung function, and postoperative lung function.

DISCUSSION

This multicenter DRIVATS study aims to verify the usefulness of preoperative 3D reconstruction CT compared with standard chest CT in segmentectomy. If successfully completed, this multicenter prospective study will provide a higher level of evidence for the use of 3D reconstruction CT in segmentectomy.

Spanish Lung Cancer Group SCAT trial: surgical audit to lymph node assessment based on IASLC recommendations

Background

The Spanish Customized Adjuvant Therapy (SCAT) trial assessed the role of individualized adjuvant therapy in clinical N0 incidental pN1 and/or N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) completely resected. We assessed surgical topics with an in-depth analysis of quality of lymphadenectomy based on International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) recommendations.

Methods

Patients with information about lymphadenectomy available were included (N=451). Prospectively collected data about tumor, type of resection, and postoperative morbidity and quality of lymph node dissection (LND) were retrospectively evaluated. Role of lymph node assessment on survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves, using regression models to identify prognostic factors.

Results

In 33.7%, 17.7% and 49.9% of cases, regions 7, 10 and 11 respectively were not assessed. In 21.1% of patients, less than three lymph node regions were biopsied, while in 19.6% of patients less than six lymph nodes were assessed. In 53,4% of patients only one N1 region was evaluated. From patients with positive N2, 8.9% had no N1 regions biopsied. Twenty-nine percent of patients with at least one N2 lymph node resected shown the highest region involved. Thirty-day postoperative mortality was unknown. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 61.7% (95% CI: 55.4-67.4%), 51.5% (95% CI: 39.2-62.4%) and 42.3% (95% CI: 32.1-52.2%) for patients with N1, N2 and N1+N2 disease, respectively (P<0.01). Both number of lymph nodes resected and number of lymph nodes involved by tumor were significantly related to prognosis.

Conclusions

IASLC recommendations for surgical resections were not followed in a high proportion of surgical procedures. Hilar and mediastinal lymph node assessment and involvement showed to impact prognosis. Surgical issues such as postoperative mortality could not be evaluated owing to trial design.

Extent of Segmentectomy That Achieves Greater Lung Preservation Than Lobectomy

BACKGROUND

This study sought to clarify the extent of segmentectomy that achieves greater lung preservation than lobectomy.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective cohort study involving 374 patients with lung cancer who were treated with either lobectomy or segmentectomy between 2013 and 2018. The percentage of preserved pulmonary function (%PPF) after surgery was compared among patients who underwent lobectomy (n = 164), segmentectomy of 2 or more segments (Seg ≥2S; n = 42), and segmentectomy of less than 2 segments (Seg <2S; n = 168). Using perfusion scintigraphy, forced expiratory volume in 1 second of the preserved target lobe was measured to examine its effect on the %PPF. The number of resected subsegments (SSs) in segmentectomy that made the %PPF higher than that observed with lobectomy was also examined.

RESULTS

Mean %PPF was lowest in those patients who underwent lobectomy (86%), followed by Seg ≥2S (89%) and Seg <2S (95%) (P < .001), but the difference between the lobectomy and Seg ≥2S was not significant (P = .21). The forced expiratory volume in 1 second of the preserved target lobe was significantly lower in the Seg ≥2S group than in the Seg <2S group (P < .001). The number of resected SSs was 6 to 12 in lobectomy, 4 to 7 in Seg ≥2S, and 1 to 4 in Seg <2S. Although the %PPF after segmentectomy of less than 5 SSs (Seg <5SS) was significantly higher than that after lobectomy (P < .001), the %PPF after segmentectomy of 5 or more SSs (Seg ≥5SS) was not significantly different from that after lobectomy (P = .68).

CONCLUSIONS

Both the Seg ≥2S and Seg ≥5SS groups did not differ from lobectomy in %PPF because of the low function of preserved target lobe.

Risk factors of lobar lymph node metastases in non-primary tumor-bearing lobes among the patients of non-small-cell lung cancer

Purpose

Lobar lymph node metastases in non-primary tumor-bearing lobes (NTBL) are rarely reported. This study examined the risk factors of lobar lymph node metastasis in NTBL.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 301 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who underwent surgical pulmonary resection with systematic lymph node dissection plus extended lobar lymph node dissection of NTBL. Patients were classified into positive and negative NTBL groups. Unconditional logistic regression was used to identify the risk factors for lobar lymph node metastasis in NTBL.

Results

NTBL lobar lymph nodes were identified in 38 patients (12.6%). A higher proportion of adenocarcinomas occurred in the positive NTBL group compared to the negative NTBL group (73.7% vs. 46.4%, P = 0.01). Risk of NTBL lobar lymph node metastases was significantly elevated in the lower lobe of primary site compared to the upper lobe (OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.26–5.75, P = 0.01), and with adenocarcinomas compared to squamous cell carcinomas (OR = 2.75, 95% CI = 1.09–7.65, P = 0.04). No differences were observed when comparing left and right lobes. NTBL lobar lymph node metastasis was most often observed among patients with larger tumor size, N1/N2 nodal involvement, with lymph vascular invasion (LVI), and visceral pleural invasion (VPI).

Conclusion

NTBL lobar lymph node metastases occurred more often in patients with a primary NSCLC tumor in the lower lobe, with adenocarcinomas, larger tumor size, N1/N2 nodal involvement, LVI or VPI. Extended lymphadenectomy including NTBL nodes may be clinically advantageous when these risk factors are present.

The Application of Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Anatomical Segmentectomy for Lung Resection: A Retrospective Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a new area of exploration and evolution in thoracic minimal invasive surgery. The uniportal VATS approach has become popular during lung resection for small nodules and ground glass lesions. Our objective is to investigate the efficacy, availability and safety of uniportal VATS anatomical segmentectomy compared with conventional VATS in patients for lung resection.

METHODS

Surgical patients of perioperative period who admitted and underwent uniportal, two-port and conventional three-port VATS segmentectomy were analyzed and compared retrospectively during the year 2017 to 2018.

RESULTS

During the research period, of 111 patients who had VATS anatomical segmentectomy, 38 underwent uniportal, 43 underwent two-port, and 30 underwent three-port VATS. Four patients underwent conversion to thoracotomy. There were no postoperative mortalities, and there were no significant differences among the three groups in surgical outcomes, including operative time, blood loss, conversions to thoracotomy, drainage time and volume, lymph node dissection, postoperative complications and hospital stay. The pain scores of visual analog scale (VAS) significantly decreased in uniportal group when operation is finished (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that uniportal VATS anatomical segmentectomy is a quite safe surgical technology, as well as feasible, which can cause reduced postoperative pain and less surgical trauma compared to conventional VATS. More experiences and observations of large samples are on the way.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for lung cancer

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a technique to identify the first lymph node (or nodes) draining a tumor. The underlying principle is that as the first site of cancer spread, evaluation of the sentinel node will be most predictive for wider nodal involvement. The introduction of sentinel node biopsy revolutionized the surgical management of cutaneous melanoma and breast cancer, becoming a key component in the management of such patients. For over 20 years, thoracic surgeons have similarly worked to apply this technique to lung cancer but have thus far not had the same impact on lung surgery. In this review, we will summarize the ongoing discussions on the role of sentinel node biopsy in lung cancer, the methods for identifying the sentinel node, and the techniques for evaluating the sentinel node specimen. We will also highlight some of the pressing questions investigators should consider when designing a trial for sentinel node mapping. This will clarify the current status of sentinel node biopsy in lung cancer and thus highlight important future directions for research.

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy with simple routine bronchoscopic inflation for intersegmental plane identification: short and mid-term outcomes compared with lobectomy

Background

The technical concepts of thoracoscopic segmentectomy are still evolving. In this study we present a simple bronchoscopy-based intersegmental demarcation technique with short- and mid-term outcomes compared between thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy.

Methods

All 105 consecutive patients with lung cancer intended to treat with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy were compared to 110 consecutive VATS lobectomies. Short- and mid-term outcome comparison included complications, length of hospital stay, pulmonary functions, and 3-year progression-free and overall survival. Mid-term outcomes were adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities, pulmonary functions, histology, stage and adjuvant treatment.

Results

Segmentectomy patients had more comorbidities (P=0.006), worse pulmonary functions (FEV1%, P=0.005; DLCO/va, P=0.011), poor exercise capacity (P=0.043) and were considered high-risk patients more often (41.9% vs. 25.5%, P=0.011). Major complication rates did not differ between the groups (P=0.718). Mean length of hospital stay decreased after segmentectomy (4.7 vs. 5.9 days, P=0.033). Following segmentectomy, FEV1% slightly improved (1.0%). After lobectomy, the mean decline of FEV1% was 8.1% (P<0.001). Respectively, in high-risk patients, 2.1% improvement and 9.9% decline (P=0.027) were observed. Overall mortality hazard after segmentectomy was similar to that for lobectomy (unadjusted HR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.45–1.44, adjusted HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.43–1.76). When considering only stage I non-small cell lung cancer, 3-year overall survival after segmentectomy and lobectomy were 86.8% vs. 79.8% (P=0.412) and 3-year recurrence-free survival 93.0% vs. 89.7%, P=0.450.

Conclusions

Following segmentectomy, regardless of worse surgical candidates, hospital stay was shorter. Furthermore, preservation of lung function also in high-risk patients, was observed without compromising mid-term oncologic outcomes.

Oncologic Outcomes of Surgery Versus SBRT for Non-Small-Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma is subject to debate. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and oncologic outcomes of lobar resection (LR), sublobar resection (SR), and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of oncologic outcomes of propensity matched comparative and noncomparative cohort studies was performed. Outcomes of interest were overall survival and disease-free survival. The inverse variance method and the random-effects method for meta-analysis were utilized to assess the pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 100 studies with patients treated for clinical stage I non-small-cell lung carcinoma were included. Long-term overall and disease-free survival after LR was superior over SBRT in all comparisons, and for most comparisons, SR was superior to SBRT. Noncomparative studies showed superior long-term overall and disease-free survival for both LR and SR over SBRT. Although the papers were heterogeneous and of low quality, results remained essentially the same throughout a large number of stratifications and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis showed that LR has superior outcomes compared to SBRT for cI non-small-cell lung carcinoma. New trials are underway evaluating long-term results of SBRT in potentially operable patients.

[Segmentectomy in patients with primary pulmonary malignancies]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze immediate and long-term results of anatomical resections for lung cancer with subsequent comparison of the results of segmentectomy and lobectomy in patients with peripheral NSCLC stage IA1-2.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 52 sublobular anatomical resections of the lung for peripheral non-small cell carcinoma and carcinoid T1a-bN0M0, IA1-2 stage. 3D-CT reconstruction with separation of bronchial and vascular structures was used to schedule complex segmentectomy. We retrospectively analyzed 200 patients with cT1a-bN0M0 peripheral non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and tumor dimension ≤2 cm who underwent lobectomy (n=148) and segmentectomy (n=52). Mortality, morbidity and overall 5-year survival were compared in two propensity score matched groups (46 pairs, segmentectomy vs. lobectomy).

RESULTS

There was no mortality in both groups. Morbidity was similar after segmentectomy and lobectomy (8.69 and 6.52%; p=0.32). 3D-CT with separation of bronchial and vascular structures enabled surgeons to perform atypical segmentectomies and VATS procedures more often (from 13.5 to 31.3%; p>0.05 and from 11.5 to 50.0%; p<0.05). Five-year survival was 82 and 86% (p=0.652) after segmentectomy and lobectomy, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative results and long-term outcome after segmentectomy and lobectomy are comparable in patients with NSCLC cT1a-bN0M0, stage IA1-2. Segmentectomy is advisable surgery in patients with low pulmonary capacity and severe comorbidities.

Current indications and outcomes for thoracoscopic segmentectomy for early stage lung cancer

Management of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving as the epidemiology of NSCLC has changed due to decreased rates of smoking in the general population, the development of screening programs and advancements in imaging modalities. Surgical technique is also evolving as a result of changes in instrumentation. Segmentectomy for early stage NSCLC has the advantage of preservation of lung function. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy is a safe option for surgeons already experienced in VATS lobectomy and offers comparable oncological benefit with better quality of life in selected patients. In this article, we will examine the role of segmentectomy and VATS for early stage NSCLC.

T1a lung carcinoma: the place of segmentectomy in the treatment array

Contemporary management of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving and can be attributed to a change in size and histology of lung cancer, advancements in imaging modalities, instrumentation and surgical techniques. The emergence of segmentectomy has further challenged the existing treatment landscape, with promising results. Despite limited widespread adoption, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy is a safe option in the treatment of patients with small stage I lung cancers, with excellent oncologic results and improved morbidity relative to open techniques. In this paper, we critically examine the utility of segmentectomy, and the emerging role of VATS, including technical tips and tricks, in the management of T1a lung carcinoma.

Lymph node dissection during sublobar resection: why, when and how?

Appropriate lymph node (LN) assessment is a hallmark of surgical quality of curative intent operations for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Even in the era of extensive pre-treatment work-up including routine PET-scanning and brain imaging, and selective invasive LN evaluation, unexpected LN metastases are found at surgery in more than 10% of patients with a cT1aN0 tumor. Systematic lymphadenectomy minimizes the risk of leaving tumor-LN behind and thus the risk of an incomplete resection, and provides the most truthful pTNM, which is decisive in directing adjuvant chemotherapy. Removal of interlobar, hilar, and mediastinal LNs is necessary during sublobar resection, as it is during lobectomy. In addition, segmental LNs should be dissected at both the resected and nonresected lobar segments, because the lymphatic flow from the resected segment can go directly to the neighboring segmental LNs to join the lymphatic network at the roots of the lobar bronchi, especially for tumors in anteriorly located segments. Finally, several anatomical studies described direct lymphatic vessels from the lower lobes into the upper lobar bronchi LN rendering also advisable clearance of the upper lobar LN in case of lower lobe NSCLC. Given that intralobar LN dissection is impossible within the remaining lobe after wedge resection, omission of segmental and intralobar LN retrieval may also explain the high incidence of loco-regional recurrence observed after wedge resection. Thus, segmentectomy should be preferred to wedge resection as the recommended type of sublobar resection.

Therapeutic strategy for small-sized lung cancer

Minimizing the volume of lung resection without diminishing curability has recently become an important issue in primary lung cancer. In this review, we will discuss the current state of the feasibility of sublobar resection and specific issues for a segmentectomy procedure. A previous randomized controlled trial showed that lobectomy must still be considered the standard surgical procedure compared with sublobar resection for T1N0 non-small cell lung cancer with a tumor less than 3 cm in size. Since then, supporting studies for segmentectomy of lung cancer with a tumor less than 2 cm in size were reported. In addition, segmentectomy seems to be feasible for clinical stage I adenocarcinoma less than 2 cm in size, in women younger than 70 years old, with a low tumor 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) standardized uptake value (SUV) from propensity-matching studies. In a meta-analysis of sublobar resection vs. lobectomy, intentionally performed sublobar resection showed equivalent outcomes to lobectomy. In the near future, two ongoing prospective, randomized trials will report results. As specific issues for the surgical procedure of segmentectomy, achieving a sufficient surgical margin is an important issue for preventing loco-regional recurrence. More studies regarding the regional lymph node dissection area for segmentectomy are needed. Sublobar resection has the potential to become the standard procedure for peripheral small-sized lung cancer less than 2 cm. However, more information is needed about the characteristics of this cancer and the surgical procedure, including nodal dissection.

Lobectomy vs. segmentectomy for NSCLC (T<2 cm)

The extent of surgical resection for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ≤2 cm continues to be a matter of debate. Eighteen years ago, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) established lobectomy as the standard of care for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 NSCLC. However, numerous publications since then have reported similar outcomes for patients treated with segmentectomy or lobectomy for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 NSCLC 2 cm or smaller in size. The majority of these publications are retrospective studies. Two ongoing RCTs aim to resolve this debate, one in Japan and the other in the United States. This manuscript is a comprehensive review of the literature that compares lobectomy to segmentectomy for peripheral clinical T1N0M0 NSCLC 2 cm or smaller in size. Until data from the ongoing RCTs become available, this literature review provides the best evidence to guide the thoracic surgeon in the management of these patients.

Reasonable extent of lymph node dissection in intentional segmentectomy for small-sized peripheral non-small-cell lung cancer: from the clinicopathological findings of patients who underwent lobectomy with systematic lymph node dissection

INTRODUCTION

Currently, randomized clinical trials to evaluate segmentectomy compared with lobectomy for peripheral cT1aN0M0 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are ongoing. During segmentectomy, some lobar-segmental lymph nodes (LSNs) can be difficult to resect for anatomical reasons. The purpose of this study was to clarify the reasonable extent of dissection during intentional segmentectomy for peripheral cT1aN0M0 NSCLC.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of patients who underwent lobectomies and systematic lymph node dissections for cT1aN0M0 NSCLC from 1992 to 2009. Among them, a total of 307 patients whose primary nodule was located in the outer third peripheral lung field on thin-section computed tomography (TSCT), and who could be candidates for intentional segmentectomy were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the clinical and radiological factors, which may predict nodal metastasis, and the distribution patterns of lymph node metastases. In particular, we set out to evaluate the specific LSNs, which are difficult to resect on segmentectomy (isolated LSNs [iLSNs]).

RESULTS

Of all patients, 34 (11%) had lymph node metastases (pN1: 9, pN2: 25). The median tumor sizes and tumor disappearance rates (TDRs) on TSCT were significantly larger and lower, respectively, compared with those of the remaining 273 node-negative patients. All 34 node-positive patients had a solid-dominant component on TSCT (TDR < 0.25). Of these, nine patients (n = 5, station 11, n = 4, station 13) were iLSN positive, but all of them also had metastases to station 12 or mediastinal lymph nodes. No patients had solitary metastasis in iLSNs.

CONCLUSIONS

The reasonable extent of dissection for intentional segmentectomy for small (≤ 2 cm) peripheral NSCLC includes LSNs in the segments with tumors, and the hilar and mediastinal nodes. It may not be necessary to examine iLSNs. Systematic lymph node dissection might not be necessary for tumors with ground grass opacity on TSCT (TDR ≥ 0.25).

cT1aN0M0 lung adenocarcinoma treated with left S9+10 segmentectomy followed by completion lobectomy for a solitary metastasis (isolated tumor cells) in the neighboring segmental lymph node

A 47-year-old woman with a lung adenocarcinoma of 1.3 cm located in the left S9+10 was treated by S9+10 segmentectomy with sentinel node (SN) identification using radioisotopes. During segmentectomy, frozen section of the segmental nodes at S9+10 and S6, identified as SNs, did not show metastasis; however, postoperative immunohistochemical staining with cytokeratin revealed isolated tumor cells in the segmental node at S6. None of the other dissected nodes, including the hilar, interlobar, and mediastinal nodes, showed metastasis, even with immunohistochemical staining. Completion lobectomy was conducted 6 days after segmentectomy, and the resected specimens did not show further metastasis. The final pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma with pT1aN0(i+)M0 stage A. The present case was indicative of the importance of dissecting the segmental lymph node located not only at the tumor-bearing segment but also at the neighboring segment, especially the one located between the primary tumor and the lobar bronchi.

Does anatomical segmentectomy allow an adequate lymph node staging for cT1a non-small cell lung cancer?

INTRODUCTION

Anatomical segmentectomy is again under evaluation for the cure of T1a N0 non-small cell lung cancer and carcinoid tumors. Whether anatomical segmentectomy does permit or not, an adequate resection of nodal stations for staging or cure is still pending.

METHODS

A case-matched study was ruled on patients with peripheral cT1a N0 M0 tumors that underwent anatomical segmentectomy or lobectomy. Dissection of lymph node stations 4, 5, 6, and 7 was identical in anatomical segmentectomy and lobectomy; stations 10, 11, 12, and 13 were also dissected carefully during anatomical segmentectomy.

RESULTS

We individually matched 46 (69% men) anatomical segmentectomy with 46 (71% men) lobectomy for age, anatomical segment, and size of the tumor. The median (interquartile range) size of the resected lesions was 1.7 cm (1.35-1.95 cm) in anatomical segmentectomy and 1.6 cm (1.3-1.9 cm) (p = 0.96) in lobectomy. The anatomical segmentectomy and lobectomy resection margins were free of cancer. The median number (interquartile range) of total dissected lymph nodes was 12 (8-5-14) in anatomical segmentectomy compared with 13 (12-14.5) in lobectomy (p = 0.68), with a number of N1 nodes being 6 (4-7.5) and 7 (4.5-9.5) (p = 0.43), respectively, and N2 nodes 5.5 (4-7.7) and 5 (4-6.5) (p = 0.88). Only 1 patient of 46 (2%) anatomical segmentectomy was N1, whereas in lobectomy, 4% had N1 (2 patients). Freedom from recurrence at 36 months was 100% for anatomical segmentectomy and 93.5% for lobectomy (p = 0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Anatomical segmentectomy for cT1a tumors compared with lobectomy procures an adequate number of N1 and N2 nodes for pathological examination. Cancer-specific survival was equivalent at 36 months.

Innovative segmentectomy to remove the posterior segment of the lower lobe (S¹⁰) of the lung

We describe our innovative technique for performing segmentectomy of the posterior segment of the lower lobe of the lung, being segment number 10 (S¹⁰). In segmentectomy of S¹⁰, it is difficult to identify A¹⁰ from the interlobar fissure because the pulmonary artery to S¹⁰ (A¹⁰) branches from A(9+10) and runs dorsally and deeply into the lung tissue. Moreover, to reach S¹⁰ from the interlobar fissure, the lung tissue should be cut between S⁶ and S⁸, because S¹⁰ is not located beside the interlobar fissure. However, it is difficult to identify the boundary between the S⁶ and S⁸ without a route marker. To solve these difficulties, we divided S⁶ and S¹⁰ from each other at the beginning of the procedure, which enabled A¹⁰ to be identified easily from the dorsal side. Because S⁶ and S(8-10) should be divided in S¹⁰ segmentectomy at the end, the division between S⁶ and S(8-10) at the beginning of procedure is not only reasonable, but makes the procedure simple.

Decision making in patients with pulmonary nodules

Integrating current evidence with fundamental concepts from decision analysis suggests that management of patients with pulmonary nodules should begin with estimating the pretest probability of cancer from the patient's clinical risk factors and computed tomography characteristics. Then, the consequences of treatment should be considered, by comparing the benefits of surgery if the patient has lung cancer with the potential harm if the patient does not have cancer. This analysis determines the "treatment threshold," which is the point around which the decision centers. This varies widely among patients depending on their cardiopulmonary reserve, comorbidities, and individual preferences. For patients with a very low probability of cancer, careful observation with serial computed tomography is warranted. For those with a high probability of cancer, surgical diagnosis is warranted. For patients in the intermediate range of probabilities, either computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy or positron emission tomography, possibly followed by computed tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy, is best. Patient preferences should be considered because the absolute difference in outcome between strategies may be small. The optimal approach to the management of patients with pulmonary nodules is evolving as technologies develop. Areas of uncertainty include quantifying the hazard of delayed diagnosis; determining the optimal duration of follow-up for ground-glass and semisolid opacities; establishing the roles of volumetric imaging, advanced bronchoscopic technologies, and limited surgical resections; and calculating the cost-effectiveness of different strategies.

Combined subsegmentectomy for S(2)(b) (horizontal subsegment of the posterior segment) and S(3)(a) (lateral subsegment of the anterior segment) in the right upper pulmonary lobe

A technique for combined resection of S(2)(b) (horizontal subsegment of the posterior segment) and S(3)(a) (lateral subsegment of the anterior segment) of the right upper lobe of the lung is presented. Although both the S(2)(b) and S(3)(a) should be resected from the interlobar fissure, an approach for the artery and bronchus of S(3)(a) (A(3)(a) and B(3)(a), respectively) is easier from the ventral side of the hilum rather than from the interlobar fissure, because B(3) runs in back of V(2) at the interlobar fissure. To resolve this contradiction, we devised a procedure as follows: (1) A(2)(b) and B(2)(b) are cut at the interlobar fissure; (2) A(3)(a) and B(3)(a) are cut from the ventral side of hilum; (3) the peripheral stumps of A(3)(a) and B(3)(a) are transferred to the interlobar fissure; and (4) subsegments of S(3)(a) and S(2)(b) are resected with the peripheral stumps of A(2)(b), B(2)(b), A(3)(a), and B(3)(a) from the side of the interlobar fissure. We believe this procedure makes the combined resection of S(2)(b) and S(3)(a) easy.

Sentinel nodes in lung cancer: review of our 10-year experience

Sentinel node (SN) identification in patients with lung cancer is useful not only to minimize lymph node dissection, but also to target the best lymph nodes for intraoperative frozen section during segmentectomy. Since 2000, we have identified the SN in lung cancer patients using radioisotope (RI). This review presents our data on SN identification, describing the following: the procedure, using a radioisotope tracer; the flow of Tc-99 tin colloid after the injection; the characteristics of patients whose SNs could not be identified; ex vivo SN identification; reliability of in vivo SN identification; the algorithm for reducing mediastinal lymph node dissection; the differences in SN identification between large and small radioisotope particles; SNs at segmental lymph nodes; SN navigation segmentectomy for clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer; and small metastasis in the SN.

Comparison of postoperative pulmonary function and air leakage between pleural closure vs. mesh-cover for intersegmental plane in segmentectomy

Background

To prevent postoperative air leakage after lung segmentectomy, we used two methods for the intersegmental plane: closing it by suturing the pleural edge (pleural closure), or opening it with coverage using polyglycolic acid mesh and fibrin glue (mesh-cover). The preserved forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) of each lobe and the postoperative air leakage were compared between the two groups.

Methods

For 61 patients who underwent pleural closure and 36 patients who underwent mesh-cover, FEV₁ of the lobe before and after segmentectomy was measured using lung-perfusion single-photon-emission computed tomography and CT (SPECT/CT). The groups' results were compared, revealing differences of the preserved FEV₁ of the lobe for several segmentectomy procedures and postoperative duration of chest tube drainage.

Results

Although left upper division segmentectomy showed higher preserved FEV₁ of the lobe in the mesh-cover group than in the pleural closure one (p = 0.06), the other segmentectomy procedures showed no differences between the groups. The durations of postoperative chest drainage in the two groups (2.0 ± 2.5 vs. 2.3 ± 2.2 days) were not different.

Conclusions

Mesh-cover preserved the pulmonary function of remaining segments better than the pleural closure method in left upper division segmentectomy, although no superiority was found in the other segmentectomy procedures. However, the data include no results obtained using a stapler, which cuts the segment without recognizing even the intersegmental plane and the intersegmental vein. Mesh-cover prevented postoperative air leakage as well as the pleural closure method did.

Combined subsegmentectomy: postoperative pulmonary function compared to multiple segmental resection

Background

For small peripheral c-T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancers involving multiple segments, we have conducted a resection of subsegments belonging to different segments, i.e. combined subsegmentectomy (CSS), to avoid resection of multiple segments or lobectomy. Tumor size, location of tumor, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) of each preserved lobe were compared among the CSS, resection of single segment, and that of multiple segments.

Methods

FEV₁ of each preserved lobe were examined in 17 patients who underwent CSS, 56 who underwent resection of single segment, and 41 who underwent resection of multiple segments, by measuring pulmonary function and lung-perfusion single-photon-emission computed tomography and computed tomography before and after surgery.

Results

Tumor size in the CSS was significantly smaller than that in the resection of multiple segments (1.4 ± 0.5 vs. 2.0 ± 0.8 cm, p = 0.002). Tumors in the CSS were located in the right upper lobe more frequently than those in the resection of multiple segments (53% vs. 5%, p < 0.001). Postoperative of FEV₁ of each lobe after the CSS was higher than that after the resection of multiple segments (0.3 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.2 l, p = 0.07). Mean FEV₁ of each preserved lobe per subsegment after CSS was significantly higher than that after resection of multiple segments (0.05 ± 0.03 vs. 0.03 ± 0.02 l, p = 0.02). There was no significant difference of these factors between the CSS and resection of single segment.

Conclusions

The CSS is effective for preserving pulmonary function of each lobe, especially for small sized lung cancer involving multiple segments in the right upper lobe, which has fewer segments than other lobes.