Clinical outcomes and changes in lung function after segmentectomy versus lobectomy for lung cancer cases

Precision Oncology in Lung Cancer Surgery

Precision in lung cancer surgery is our ability to use the most cutting edge and up to date information to provide personalized and targeted surgical care to our patients. It aims to tailor patient care to patient and tumor characteristics and susceptibilities as well as to optimize the ways treatments are administered. This may include specific perioperative medical treatment, changing operative techniques to more minimally invasive ones if the situation permits, performing sub-anatomical surgeries when possible, and using innovative tumor visualization methods to enhance detection of previously occult disease to ultimately decrease the extent of the planned resection.

Left Upper Division Segmentectomy Compared with Lobectomy for Lung Expansion and Bronchus Tortuosity

BACKGROUND

For patients with left upper lobe lesions, the functional benefit of left upper division segmentectomy over left upper lobectomy remains controversial. This study evaluated the clinical and functional outcomes after these two procedures.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 135 patients with left upper lobe lesions (left upper lobectomy, 110; left upper division segmentectomy, 25). Propensity score matching was used to compare the two groups. Spirometry and computed tomography volume assessments were performed to evaluate bronchus angle and tortuosity. Short-term clinical respiratory symptoms were assessed via medical record reviews.

RESULTS

Patients in both groups had similar preoperative characteristics, apart from tumor size (left upper division segmentectomy, 1.6 ± 0.9 cm; left upper lobectomy, 2.8 ± 1.7 cm; p = 0.002). After propensity score matching, both groups had similar preoperative spirometry and pathological results. The postoperative spirometry results were similar; however, the left upper division segmentectomy group had a significantly smaller decrease in left-side computed tomography lung volume compared with that in the left upper lobectomy group (left upper division segmentectomy, 323.6 ± 521.4 mL; left upper lobectomy, 690.7 ± 332.8 mL; p = 0.004). The left main bronchus-curvature index was higher in the left upper lobectomy group (left upper division segmentectomy, 1.074 ± 0.035; left upper lobectomy, 1.097 ± 0.036; p = 0.013), and more patients had persistent cough in the left upper lobectomy group (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Left upper division segmentectomy may be a promising option for preventing marked bronchial angulation and decreasing postoperative persistent cough in patients with left upper lobe lung cancer.

Quality of life after lung cancer surgery: sublobar resection versus lobectomy

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the postoperative quality of life (PQOL) between non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic sublobar resection (subsegment, segment, or wedge) and lobectomy. Meanwhile, we developed a PQOL scale for patients with NSCLC after optimization.

METHODS

Developing and evaluating the postoperative quality-of-life scale of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC-PQOL) followed by the international principles for developing quality-of-life scale. Therefore, we used the NSCLC-PQOL scale to evaluate the PQOL of patients who underwent different surgeries.

RESULTS

The overall PQOL of patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy and sublobar resection gradually worsened from discharge to 3 months postoperatively and progressively improved from three to 6 months postoperatively. And the sublobar resection group showed better PQOL in chest tightness, breath shortness, breathlessness, cough and expectoration than the lobectomy group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The final version of the NSCLC-PQOL contained three dimensions: "signs-symptoms", "psychological and psychiatric", and "social-life" dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

The sublobar resection group showed better PQOL in "chest tightness", "breath shortness", "breathlessness", "cough", and "expectoration" than the lobectomy group. Twenty-two items formed a well-behaved PQOL scale after being validated satisfactorily. The scale was a suitable rating tool for evaluating the NSCLC-PQOL of patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

As this study was a retrospective study and not a clinical trial, we did not register this study in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Segmentectomy for patients with early-stage pure-solid non-small cell lung cancer

For decades, lobectomy has been the recommended surgical procedure for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including for small-sized lesions. However, two recent pivotal clinical trials conducted by the Japanese Clinical Oncology Group/West Japan Oncology Group (JCOG0802/WJOG4607L) and the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB140503), which compared the survival outcomes between lobectomy and sublobar resection (the JCOG0802/WJOG4607L included only segmentectomy, not wedge resection), demonstrated the efficacy of sublobar resection in patients with early-stage peripheral lung cancer measuring ≤ 2 cm. The JCOG0802/WJOG4607L demonstrated the superiority of segmentectomy over lobectomy with respect to overall survival, implying the survival benefit conferred by preservation of the lung parenchyma. Subsequently, the JCOG1211 also demonstrated the efficacy of segmentectomy, even for NSCLC, measuring up to 3 cm with the predominant ground-glass opacity phenotype. Segmentectomy has become the standard of care for early-stage NSCLC and its indications are expected to be further expanded to include solid lung cancers > 2 cm. However, local control is still a major concern for segmentectomy for higher-grade malignant tumors. Thus, the indications of segmentectomy, especially for patients with radiologically pure-solid NSCLC, remain controversial due to the aggressive nature of the malignancy. In this study, we reviewed previous studies and discussed the efficacy of segmentectomy for patients with such tumors.

Lobectomy versus segmentectomy for stage IA3 (T1cN0M0) non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Background

Segmentectomy has been proven to have better survival and perioperative efficacy than lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) up to 2 cm. Whether this result is applicable to stage T1cN0M0 NSCLC (2.1 to 3 cm) remains controversial.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search across seven databases to identify relevant studies comparing lobectomy and segmentectomy procedures. Our primary focus was on survival indicators (overall survival [OS] and disease-free survival [DFS]), while for secondary outcomes, operative outcomes, hospitalization outcomes, recurrences, and complications were considered.

Results

After screening, the final analysis included 10 studies (involving 22113 patients in the lobectomy group and 1627 patients in the segmentectomy group). The lobectomy procedure achieved better OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.19 [1.07~1.33]) and DFS (HR: 1.37 [1.10~1.71]), which were proven in all subgroups. The OS rate at 2-5 years and DFS rate at 4-5 years were higher in the lobectomy group. The advantages of OS and DFS in the lobectomy group increased over the survival time. More lymph node dissections, intraoperative blood loss and total complications were found in the lobectomy group. Similar hospital stays, 90-day mortality and conversion thoracotomy were found between the two groups.

Conclusion

Lobectomy appeared to be the better choice for patients with stage T1cN0M0 NSCLC with better survival (OS and DFS). However, the complications needed to be taken seriously.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identification CRD42023445013.

Segmentectomy for cancer control in radiologically pure-solid clinical stage IA3 lung cancer

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare cancer control after segmentectomy and lobectomy in patients with radiologically pure-solid clinical stage IA3 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

Patients with radiologically pure-solid clinical stage IA3 NSCLC who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy at 3 institutions between 2010 and 2019 were identified. We estimated propensity scores to adjust for confounding variables regarding tumour malignancy, including age, sex, smoking history, tumour size, maximum standardized uptake value on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, lymph node dissection, histological type and lymphatic, vascular and pleural invasion. Cumulative incidence of recurrence (CIR) was evaluated as a primary end point.

RESULTS

Among 412 patients, postoperative recurrence occurred in 7 of 44 patients (15.9%) undergoing segmentectomy, and 71 of 368 patients (19.3%) undergoing lobectomy. CIR was comparable between patients undergoing segmentectomy (5-year rate, 21.9%) and those undergoing lobectomy (5-year rate, 20.8%; P = 0.88). Locoregional recurrence did not differ between patients undergoing segmentectomy (6.8%) and those undergoing lobectomy (9.0%). In multivariable analysis, segmentectomy (versus lobectomy) was not identified as an independent prognostic factor for CIR (hazard ratio, 1.045; 95% confidence interval, 0.475-2.298; P = 0.91). In propensity score matching of 40 pairs, CIR was not significantly different between patients undergoing segmentectomy (5-year rate, 20.7%) and those undergoing lobectomy (5-year rate, 18.4%; P = 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Cancer control may be comparable between segmentectomy and lobectomy in patients with radiologically pure-solid clinical stage IA3 NSCLC. Further studies are warranted to clarify the survival benefits of segmentectomy in these patients.

Predictive factors inhibiting recovery of the respiratory function after anatomical pulmonary resection

PURPOSE

Some patients have worse actual observed postoperative (apo) respiratory function values than predicted postoperative (ppo) values. The present study therefore clarified the predictive factors that hinder the recovery of the postoperative respiratory function.

METHODS

This study enrolled 255 patients who underwent anatomical pulmonary resection for lung cancer. A pulmonary function test (PFT) was carried out before surgery and at one, three, and six months after surgery. In each surgical procedures, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) ratio was calculated as the apo value divided by the ppo value. In addition, we investigated the predictive factors that inhibited postoperative respiratory function improvement in patients with an FEV1 ratio < 1.0 at 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The FEV1 ratio gradually improved over time in all surgical procedures. However, 49 of 196 patients who underwent a PFT at 6 months after surgery had an FEV1 ratio < 1.0. In a multivariate analysis, right side, upper lobe, segmentectomy and pleurodesis for prolonged air leakage were independent significant predictors of a decreased FEV1 ratio (p = 0.003, 0.006, 0.001, and 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Pleurodesis was the only controllable factor that might help preserve the postoperative respiratory function. Thus, the intraoperative management of air leakage is important.

Segmentectomy versus lobectomy. Which factors are decisive for an optimal oncological outcome?

Low-dose computed tomography is being used for lung cancer screening in high-risk groups. Detecting lung cancer at an early stage improves the chance of optimal treatment and increases overall survival. This article compares segmentectomy vs. lobectomy as surgical options, in the case of stage I non-small cell lung carcinoma, ideally IA. To compare the 2 previously referred strategies, data were collected from articles (40 studies were reviewed), reviews, and systematic analyses in PubMed Central, as well as reviewing recent literature. Segmentectomy could be an equal alternative to lobectomy in early-stage NSCLC (tumour < 2 cm). It could be preferred for patients with a low cardiopulmonary reserve, who struggle to survive a lobectomy. As far as early-stage NSCLC is concerned, anatomic segmentectomy is an acceptable procedure in a selective group of patients. For better tumour and stage classification, a systematic lymph node dissection should be performed.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of segmentectomy vs. lobectomy for stage IA non-small cell lung cancer

Background

Whether segmentectomy is appropriate for stage IA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), especially for stage IA NSCLC with a tumor size of 2-3 cm, remains controversial. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to compare segmentectomy and lobectomy for stage IA NSCLC with a tumor size of 2-3 cm and IA ≤2 cm NSCLC.

Methods

A systematic screening of online databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) was conducted regarding the terms of perioperative outcomes, overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and disease-free survival (DFS). The inverse-variance and Mantel-Haenszel approaches were used to pool effect sizes for survival outcomes and perioperative outcomes.

Results

A total of 10 articles were included in the analysis. The perioperative morbidity [risk ratio (RR): 0.90, P=0.10], mortality (RR: 0.94, P=0.84), intraoperative blood loss [mean difference (MD): 3.07, P=0.86] and operative time (MD: 18.99, P=0.13) were comparable between the segmentectomy and lobectomy groups. The number of lymph nodes harvested was statistically less in segmentectomy than in lobectomy (MD: -5.71, P=0.02). In stage IA patients with a tumor size of 2-3 cm, lobectomy showed superior survival outcomes compared to segmentectomy, with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of 1.39 (P=0.01) for OS and 1.38 (P=0.06) for RFS or DFS. In stage IA ≤2 cm, lobectomy and segmentectomy had comparable survival outcomes with pooled HRs of 1.18 (P=0.29) for OS and 1.18 (P=0.12) for RFS or DFS.

Conclusions

When a patient is in stage IA and the tumor size is less than 2 cm, segmentectomy should be performed. If the tumor size is between 2 and 3 cm, lobectomy is recommended.

Oncological Outcomes of Segmentectomy versus Lobectomy in Clinical Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer up to Two Centimeters: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective. In recent years, pulmonary segmentectomy has emerged as an alternative to lobectomy for the treatment of patients with clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Considering the conflicting results reported in the literature, the oncological effectiveness of segmentectomy remains controversial. To provide new insight into oncological results, we reviewed the literature, including recent randomized trials. Methods. We performed a systematic review for surgical treatment of stage I NSCLC up to 2 cm using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database from 1990 to December 2022. Primary outcomes for pooled analysis were overall and disease-free survival; secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. Results. Eleven studies were considered for the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis included 3074 and 2278 patients who received lobectomy and segmentectomy, respectively. The estimated pooled hazard ratio showed a similar hazard for segmentectomy compared to lobectomy in terms of overall and disease-free survival. The restricted mean survival time difference between the two procedures was statistically and clinically not significant for overall and disease-free survival. Nevertheless, the overall survival hazard ratio was time-dependent: segmentectomy was at a disadvantage starting from 40 months after surgery. Six papers reported 30-day mortality: there were no events on 1766 procedures. The overall relative risk showed that the postoperative complication rate was higher in segmentectomy compared to lobectomy, without statistical significance. Conclusions. Our results suggest that segmentectomy might be a useful alternative to lobectomy for stage I NSCLC up to 2 cm. However, this appears to be time-dependent; in fact, the risk ratio for overall mortality becomes unfavorable for segmentectomy starting at 40 months after surgery. This last observation, together with some still undefined questions (solid/non-solid ratio, depth of the lesion, modest functional savings, etc.), leave room for further investigations on the real oncological effectiveness of segmentectomy.

Risk factors for long-term decline in post-operative pulmonary function after lung resection

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to examine the risk factors for long-term decline in pulmonary function after anatomical resection for lung cancer and the effects of the decrease on survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 489 patients who underwent anatomical resection for lung cancer between 2010 and 2020. Pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The lower interquartile medians of the reduction rates of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and vital capacity at 12 months after surgery were taken as the cut-off values of risk factors for the decrease in post-operative pulmonary function.

RESULTS

Forced expiratory volume in 1 s and vital capacity decreased the most in the first month after surgery and then gradually recovered. Vital capacity continued to increase even after 6 months post-surgery, whereas forced expiratory volume in 1 s stabilized. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that the number of resected segments (odds ratio, 2.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-3.89; P = 0.019) was a risk factor for the decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s at 12 months, and the numbers of resected segments (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.63; P < 0.001) and post-operative complications (odds ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.35; P = 0.047) were independent risk factors for decrease in vital capacity. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the decrease in vital capacity at 12 months was significantly associated with overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-3.67; P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term decrease in vital capacity, which was influenced by the number of resected segments and post-operative complications, adversely affected survival.

National trends in the quality of segmentectomy for lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Segmentectomy has become an accepted procedure for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Adequate lymph node sampling, sufficient margins, and proper tumor size selection are factors vital for achieving outcomes comparable to lobectomy. Previous studies have demonstrated poor adherence to lymph node sampling guidelines. However, national trends in the quality of segmentectomy and implications on survival are unknown.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients with clinical stage I to IIA non-small cell lung cancer surgically treated between 2004 and 2018. Facility-level trends in extent of resection and segmentectomy odds of adherence to (1) 2014 Commission on Cancer guidelines of sampling 10 or more lymph nodes, (2) negative (R0) resection margins, and (3) tumor size 2 cm or less were determined. Propensity score matching was based on segmentectomy adherence to (4) a composite of all measures, and survival was evaluated with Cox models and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates.

RESULTS

The study included 249,391 patients with 4.4% (n = 11,006) treated with segmentectomy. The proportion of segmentectomies performed annually increased from 3.3% in 2004 to 6.1% in 2018 (P < .001). Overall, 12.6% (n = 1385) of patients who underwent segmentectomy between 2004 and 2018 were adherent to all measures, and adherence was more likely at academic programs (odds ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.15) than nonacademic programs (P < .001, reference). Adherence to all measures was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

As segmentectomy is increasingly established as a valid oncological option for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, it is important that quality remains high. This study demonstrates that continued improvement is needed.

Overall 5-year survival rate and disease-free survival after segmentectomy versus lobectomy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Objectives

Anatomical lobectomy has always been the standard operative treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. However, there have been emerging evidences suggesting that a subanatomical resection, such as segmentectomy, may yield the same treatment results, even in patients with higher-stage non-small cell lung cancer. This study aimed to compare overall 5-year survival rate and disease-free survival between lobectomy and segmentectomy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Methods

The retrospective study included 380 patients who underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer at Ramathibodi Hospital between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2020. Of 380 patients, 307 patients underwent lobectomy, while the other 73 patients underwent segmentectomy. Operative, admission, and follow-up data were collected from electronic medical records. Missing data were collected by telephone calls to patients or their relatives in deceased cases. Overall and disease-free survival were analyzed.

Results

Median overall 5-year survival time after lobectomy and segmentectomy seemed to be different but not statistically significant (18.5 months versus 5.8 months, p = 0.127). Median disease-free survival time after lobectomy and segmentectomy was also similar (8.6 months versus 4.5 months, p = 0.511). Two deaths occurred during perioperative period, one from lobectomy group due to acute massive pulmonary embolism (0.3%) and the other from segmentectomy group due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with respiratory failure (1.4%).

Conclusion

Lobectomy and segmentectomy result in similar overall 5-year survival rate and disease-free survival between these two comparison groups. Therefore, segmentectomy may be a potential alternative for operative treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. However, a larger and randomized-controlled trial may be needed to further validate these results.

Anatomical segmentectomy under uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for early staged non-small cell lung cancer: a case report

Background

Anatomical segmentectomy has become more and more universal in thoracic surgery because of the increasing detection of pulmonary nodules with ground-glass opacity (GGO), most of which proved early staged non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) postoperative. With the advantage of preservation of normal lung tissues, segmentectomy may be performed by surgeons when computed tomography (CT) scan shows pure GGO or multiple GGOs appearing. Especially when the patients with poor cardiopulmonary function or severe comorbidities or in the circumstance of bilateral pulmonary GGOs, segmentectomy can provide opportunities to radically resect all lesions. With the development of minimally invasive surgery technology, uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become the regular operative route in many medical centers because it can provide less access trauma, less stress response, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and a lower postoperative complication rate and corresponds well with the idea of "minimally invasive". However, all of the procedures must be performed in one tiny portal, so uniportal VATS anatomical segmentectomy not only needs the skill and patience of surgeons but the effective cooperation of assistants, nurses and anesthetists, and plenty of details must be paid special attention.

Case Description

Here we present a video of a patient undergoing S¹ segmentectomy of right upper lobectomy (RUL) under uniportal VATS. The chief complaints of the patients was that two pure GGOs in the bilateral upper lobe were found by physical examination for 26 months and he had no symptoms. We performed S¹ segmentectomy of RUL under uniportal first time and performed trisegmentectomy of left upper lobectomy (LUL) 3 months later. With routinely follow-up, no evidence of relapse and metastasis disease was found.

Conclusions

We think anatomical segmentectomy under uniportal VATS can be a feasible and safe procedure that reduces trauma and has equivalent oncology outcomes to lobectomy in early-stage lung cancer but need a more experienced medical center to perform.

Keywords

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (uniportal VATS); segmentectomy; non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); case report.

Thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus lobectomy: A propensity score–matched analysis

Objectives

The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative complications, perioperative course, and survival among patients from the multicentric Spanish Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery Group database who received video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy or video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy.

Methods

From December 2016 to March 2018, a total of 2250 patients were collected from 33 centers. Overall analysis (video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy = 2070; video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy = 180) and propensity score–matched adjusted analysis (video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy = 97; video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy = 97) were performed to compare postoperative results. Kaplan–Meier and competing risks method were used to compare survival.

Results

In the overall analysis, video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy showed a lower incidence of respiratory complications (relative risk, 0.56; confidence interval, 0.37-0.83; P = .002), lower postoperative prolonged air leak (relative risk, 0.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.23-0.78; P = .003), and shorter median postoperative stay (4.8 vs 6.2 days; P = .004) than video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy. After propensity score–matched analysis, prolonged air leak remained significantly lower in video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy (relative risk, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.89; P = .02). Kaplan–Meier and competing risk curves showed no differences during the 3-year follow-up (median follow-up in months: 24.4; interquartile range, 20.8-28.3) in terms of overall survival (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-1.7; P = .2), tumor progression–related mortality (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.11-1.57; P = .2), and disease-free survival (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.35-1.51; P = .4) between groups.

Conclusions

Video-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy showed results similar to lobectomy in terms of postoperative outcomes and midterm survival. In addition, a lower incidence of prolonged air leak was found in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic segmentectomy.

Comparison Between Wedge Resection and Lobectomy/Segmentectomy for Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Bayesian Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Surgery has become an accepted method for the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this Bayesian meta-analysis was to compare the overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and relapse-free survival (RFS) between wedge resection and lobectomy/segmentectomy for treatment of early-stage NSCLC.

METHODS

Eligible studies were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, and WanFang up to July 2021 and screened based on established selection criteria. The Bayesian meta-analysis was performed with the combination of the reported survival outcomes of the individual studies using a random-effect model. The OS, DFS, and RFS of the wedge resection group was compared with the lobectomy/segmentectomy group. The hazard ratio (HR) and standard error were extracted or calculated for each study using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

This study was registered with PROSPERO (INPLASY202080090).The pooled OS hazard ratio between segmentectomy and lobectomy was 1.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92-1.4], the pooled HR between lobectomy and wedge resection was 0.71 [95% CI 0.52-0.96], and the pooled HR between segmentectomy and wedge was 0.80 [95% CI 0.56-1.10]. The pooled HR of DFS or RFS was not statistically significant among the three surgical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with early-stage NSCLC received lobectomy had the lowest hazard ratio of OS than patients received wedge resection, indicating that the overall survival of patients received lobectomy was higher than patients received wedge resection. However, regarding DFS and RFS, the three surgical approaches showed no significant difference.

What Do We Talk About Now When We Talk About Segmentectomy for GGO?

Segmentectomy has been considered as a compromised procedure in patients with early-stage lung cancer who could not tolerate standard lobectomy. By computed tomography (CT) screening, lung cancers are increasingly detected in earlier stages, especially those appearing as ground glass opacity (GGO)-containing lesions on CT scan. This has led to the revival of segmentectomy as an intentional procedure with the aim of curing selected patients, as GGO-containing lesions represent a special group of diseases that are relatively indolent in nature and seldom have lymphatic involvement. Limited resections, especially anatomical segmentectomy, may, thus, be helpful in reducing perioperative risks and preserving higher pulmonary function for patients while retaining similar oncological outcomes. However, clinical trials focusing specifically on the role of segmentectomy in the treatment of GGO-containing lung cancers are still lacking, especially in the minimally invasive surgery setting. Emerging evidence suggests that for such lesions, the oncological non-inferiority of segmentectomy to standard lobectomymay not be limited to lesions with a size ≤ 2 cm. More importantly, it is still unclear whether segmentectomy could indeed minimize perioperative risks and to what extent it could help preserve higher pulmonary function in good-risk patients with less extent of lung parenchyma resection. Hence, it is critical to reevaluate the efficacies of minimally invasive segmentectomy including not only oncological outcomes but also perioperative results and pulmonary function changes compared with lobectomy in good-risk patients with GGO-containing lung cancers. All these remain to be explored in future studies and robust evidence is still needed to prove that patients would indeed benefit from the combination of segmentectomy and minimally invasive surgery.

Lobectomy versus segmentectomy: a propensity score-matched comparison of postoperative complications, pulmonary function and prognosis

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the differences in clinical outcomes between lobectomy and segmentectomy for non-small cell lung cancer using propensity score matching.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective, matched cohort study was conducted in clinical T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer patients treated by surgery between 2012 and 2019. Differences in freedom from recurrence, overall survival, postoperative complications, chest drainage and preservation of pulmonary function between lobectomy and segmentectomy were evaluated using the propensity score model. Matched variables of patients were age, sex, comorbidity index and pulmonary function. Matched variables of tumours were tumour size, T-stage, fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography, histopathology, lobe site and tumour distance ratio from the hilum.

RESULTS

Of the 112 patients treated by lobectomy and 233 patients treated by segmentectomy, 93 patients each from both groups were selected after the matching. The median tumour distance ratio from hilum was 0.7 in lobectomy and 0.8 in segmentectomy group (P = 0.59), i.e. almost outer third tumour location. There were no significant differences in freedom from recurrence (P = 0.38), overall survival (P = 0.51), postoperative complications (P = 0.94), drainage period (P = 0.53) and prolonged air leakage (P = 0.82) between the two. Median preservation of pulmonary function was 93.2% after segmentectomy, which was significantly higher than 85.9% after lobectomy (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Freedom from recurrence, overall survival, postoperative complications and chest drainage were similar between segmentectomy and lobectomy. Segmentectomy could be one of the options for clinical T1N0M0 non-small cell lung cancer located outer third as well as being able to preserve pulmonary function better than lobectomy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Comparison of operative and postoperative characteristics and outcomes between thoracoscopic segmentectomy and lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer: a propensity score matching study from the Italian VATS Group Registry

OBJECTIVES

Only few studies compared the surgical morbidity and mortality of thoracoscopic segmentectomy versus lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer, in particular, by relating the segmental resections with the corresponding anatomical lobes.

METHODS

We enrolled a total of 7487 patients who underwent VATS lobectomy (7269) or segmentectomy (218) from January 2014 to July 2019. A propensity score matching approach was used to account for potential confounding factors between the 2 groups. After matching, 349 lobectomies and 208 segmentectomies were included in the analysis. We analysed the operative and postoperative outcomes of video-assisted anatomical segmentectomy compared with video-assisted lobectomy and, in details, the results of segmentectomy with its corresponding lobectomy in a large cohort of patients from the Italian VATS Group Registry.

RESULTS

The overall conversion rate to thoracotomy was not statistically different between the groups (27 patients 8% vs 7 patients 3%, P = 0.1). The lobectomy group had a greater number of resected lymph nodes (median 11 vs 8, P = 0.006). No significant differences were detected in 30-day mortality (1.4%, 5 patients vs 0.9%, 2 patients), overall complications (18%, 62 patients vs 14%, 29 patients) and prolonged air leakage (31 patients, 9% vs 12 patients, 6%) between lobectomy and segmentectomy, respectively. No statistical differences were found regarding the median duration of drainage (3.2 days, P = 1) and the overall median length of hospital stay (6.4 days, P = 0.1) between the 2 groups. In the context of segmentectomy versus corresponding lobectomy, the right upper lobectomy compared with right upper segmentectomy showed a higher number of resected lymph nodes (P = 0.027). No statistical differences were reported in terms of conversion rate and postoperative complication and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Segmentectomy could be considered a safe procedure without significant differences compared to thoracoscopic lobectomy in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Pulmonary function after segmentectomy versus lobectomy in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis

Objective

Segmentectomy is widely performed for early-stage lung cancer. However, the effects of segmentectomy versus lobectomy on pulmonary function remain unclear. We performed a meta-analysis with the aim of comparing segmentectomy and lobectomy in terms of preservation of pulmonary function in patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We conducted a literature search of PubMed using the terms ‘pulmonary function’ AND ‘segmentectomy’ AND ‘lobectomy’. The primary outcomes of interest were the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1 as percent of predicted (%FEV1), change in FEV1 (Δ%FEV1), and the ratio of postoperative to preoperative FEV1.

Results

Thirteen studies comprising 2027 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included for analysis, including 787 patients in the segmentectomy group and 1240 patients in the lobectomy group. Patients in the segmentectomy group showed significantly better preservation of FEV1 and %FEV1 compared with the lobectomy group. The reduction in FEV1 after surgery was significantly less in the segmentectomy group compared with the lobectomy group, and Δ%FEV1 was significantly higher in the segmentectomy group than in the lobectomy group.

Conclusion

Segmentectomy results in better preservation of pulmonary function compared with lobectomy in patients with early-stage NSCLC.

Segmentectomy or lobectomy for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The role of segmentectomy in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains a matter of debate. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the oncological outcomes following segmentectomy versus lobectomy for stage I, stage IA only and stage IA <2 cm only.

METHODS

We systematically searched the literature for articles reporting on overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) or recurrence-free survival (RFS). The hazard ratios (HRs) were retrieved and pooled using an inverse variance-weighted approach.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies were included in the analysis. In stage I, segmentectomy was found to be inferior to lobectomy for all 3 outcomes with HR: 1.25 (P = 0.01) for OS, 1.59 (P = 0.02) for CSS and 1.40 (P < 0.001) for RFS. In stage IA, the differences were significant for OS and CSS, though not for RFS with HR: 1.31 (P = 0.04), 1.56 (P = 0.02) and 1.22 (P = 0.11), respectively. In stage IA <2 cm, no significant differences were found between segmentectomy and lobectomy with HR: 1.13 (P = 0.37) for OS, 1.02 (P = 0.95) for CSS and 1.24 (P = 0.11) for RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

For stages I and IA, lobectomy showed superior results whereas for tumours <2 cm, our study did not find significant differences in oncological outcomes between both groups. These results suggest that segmentectomy might be a valuable alternative to lobectomy for NSCLC in tumours <2 cm.

Interest of anatomical segmentectomy over lobectomy for lung cancer: a nationwide study

Background

Anatomical segmentectomy is an alternative to lobectomy for early-stage lung cancer (LC) or in patients at high risk. The main objective of this study was to compare the morbidity and mortality associated with these two types of pulmonary resection using data from the French National Epithor database.

Methods

All patients who underwent lobectomy or segmentectomy for early-stage LC from January 1^st 2014 to December 31^st 2016 were identified in the Epithor database. The primary endpoint was morbidity; the secondary endpoint was postoperative mortality. Propensity score matching was implemented and used to balance groups. The results were reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

During the study period, 1,604 segmentectomies (9.78%) and 14,786 lobectomies (90.22%) were performed. After matching, the segmentectomy group experienced significantly less atelectasis (OR 0.54; 95% CI: 0.4–0.75, P<0.0001), pneumonia (OR 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55–0.95, P=0.02), prolonged air leaks (OR 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64–0.89, P=0.001) or bronchopleural fistula (OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14–0.83, P=0.017), and fewer patients had at least one complication (OR 0.7; 95% CI: 0.62–0.78, P<0.0001). According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, postoperative complications were significantly less severe in the segmentectomy group (OR 0.52; 95% CI: 0.37–0.74, P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in postoperative mortality at 30 days (OR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.38–1.20, P=0.18), 60 days (OR 0.78; 95% CI: 0.42–1.47, P=0.4), or 90 days (OR 0.77; 95% CI: 0.45–1.34, P=0.36).

Conclusions

Anatomical segmentectomy is an alternative surgical approach that could reduce postoperative morbidity, but it does not appear to affect mortality.

Subsegmental resection preserves regional pulmonary function: A focus on thoracoscopy

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate regional postoperative preserved pulmonary function (PPPF) and three‐dimensional (3D) volumetric changes according to the number of resected subsegments and investigate the factors that most affected pre‐/post PPPF.

Methods

Patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy (n = 73), and segmentectomy (n = 87) were eligible for inclusion in the study. They were classified according to the number of resected subsegments which ranged from 1 to 10. The percentage of pre‐/postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was used for comparison. Furthermore, lung volumetric changes were calculated using 3D computed tomography (CT) volumetry.

Results

The percentage of pre‐/postoperative EFV1 between 4 and 5–7 and between 5–7 and 10 were significant (p = 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively), but not between 1–2 to 4 (p = 0.99). The difference between volumetric changes in the left lower lobe of patients with a number of resected subsegments was significant (p < 0.01). On univariate and multivariate analyses, chronic inflammation was significant for decrease in recovery percentages. When the PPPF was compared among resected subsegments, it gradually decreased with an increase in the number of patients without a postoperative procrastination of inflammation (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Segmentectomy is feasible and useful for PPPF. Even a relatively large‐volume resection procedure where 5–7 subsegments are resected can preserve pulmonary function. Chronic inflammation was statistically identified as a risk factor for postoperative preserved pulmonary function.

Key points

 

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.

Feasibility analysis for the development of a video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy 23-hour recovery pathway

Background

Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy has been demonstrated to offer several benefits over open surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of an ultra-fast-track 23-hour recovery pathway for VATS lobectomy.

Methods

A prospectively maintained institutional database was queried for patients who underwent VATS lobectomy from 2006 to 2016 at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Quebec, and data were supplemented with focused chart review. Patients discharged with a length of stay (LOS) of 23 hours or less were compared with those with an LOS of 2 days or more. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of LOS of 23 hours or less.

Results

Two hundred and five patients were included in the study. Perioperative 30-day mortality for our cohort was 0% and the major complication rate was 8.3%. The median LOS was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR] 2-4 d). Thirty-four patients were discharged within 23 hours and none of them required readmission; 171 patients were discharged on postoperative day 2 or later and 9 of them (5.3%) required readmission (p = 0.36). The proportion of patients discharged within 23 hours increased in 2016 compared with previous years (25.8% v. 12.0%, p = 0.05). Patients discharged within 23 hours had shorter chest tube duration (odds ratio [OR] 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.09-0.46, p < 0.001), lower clinical stage disease (stages II-III v. stage I OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.52, p = 0.011), lower pathologic stage lesions (stages II-III v. stage I OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.91, p = 0.035), fewer surgical complications (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.30, p = 0.002) and shorter operative time (surgery duration > 120 min OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.95, p = 0.04). Our exploratory prediction modelling showed that chest tube duration, clinical stage and surgeon were the most influential predictors of discharge within 23 hours.

Conclusion

The only preoperative factors that predicted shorter LOS in our cohort were clinical stage and surgeon. A significant proportion of patients can be discharged safely by adopting a VATS lobectomy 23-hour enhanced recovery pathway.

Sublobar resection: functional evaluation and pathophysiological considerations

To date, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are part of consolidated standard operating procedures in thoracic surgery. PFTs are usually used to assess the pre-operative risk, post-operative outcomes and complications after pulmonary resections. The only functional parameter used in common practice is the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁). However, the FEV₁ alone poorly reflects lung pathophysiology, especially in patients with pre-operative emphysema and airflow obstruction; moreover, the predictive power of spirometric parameters in guiding the surgical approach in terms of the extension of the excision is currently unknown. In the present critical overview, we report and discuss the results of four studies that compared pre and post-surgery FEV₁ and forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy, highlighting the critical aspects of spirometry in lung surgery and suggesting new approaches for the interpretation of pulmonary mechanics in patients undergoing major or minor parenchymal resections. Overall, the literature on the topic is limited to spirometric parameters, and post-surgical function loss and the consequent recovery are often analysed in inhomogeneous study samples, with varying respiratory comorbidities and functional phenotypes. We underline the role of static lung volumes in the patients’ initial assessment. In fact, they tend to decrease in patients with emphysema that undergo a lobectomy, followed by a decrease in lung compliance; some of these patients experience also an increase in closing volume, a condition that worsens the stresses implicated in lung ventilation and promotes the damage to the remaining airways. Spirometric data should be therefore always associated to body-plethysmography and indexes of ventilation distribution, to improve the evaluation of the functional characteristics in patients undergoing lung surgery. Prospective studies are needed to establish the relationship and long-term consequences of different surgical approaches in terms of lung mechanics and functional loss.

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.

Changes in Pulmonary Function After 3 Surgical Methods of Pulmonary Nodules Resection by Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in pulmonary function after wedge resection, segmentectomy, and lobectomy.

Methods:

The patients were divided into 4 groups: lobectomy group, segmentectomy group, wedge resection group, and mediastinal surgery group. The pulmonary function was evaluated at various time points: 3 days before surgery, 1 month, 6 months, 12 months, and then 24 months after surgery.

Results:

The analysis results of forced expiratory volume in one second difference and breath-holding tests difference were consistent: Lobectomy group was higher than segmentectomy group, wedge resection group, and mediastinal surgery group at 4 postoperative time points (P < .05); segmentectomy group was higher than the wedge resection group and mediastinal surgery group (P < .05), and there was no statistical difference between the wedge resection group and the mediastinal surgery group (P > .05). Analysis results of tidal volume difference: Lobectomy group was higher than segmentectomy group, wedge resection group, and mediastinal surgery group at 4 postoperative time points (P < .05); segmentectomy group was higher than wedge resection group and mediastinal surgery group at 1 month after surgery (P < .05). Analysis results of the diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide difference: lobectomy group and segmentectomy group were higher than wedge resection group and mediastinal surgery group at 4 postoperative time points (P < .05). Analysis results of the stair-climbing test difference: lobectomy group and segmentectomy group were higher than the wedge resection group and mediastinal surgery group at 4 postoperative time points (P < .05).

Conclusion:

Segmentectomy was superior to lobectomy in the protection of pulmonary function, while wedge resection was superior to segmentectomy. The recovery process of the pulmonary function was the fastest during the first 6 months after surgery.

[Diagnosis and Treatment of Pulmonary Ground-glass Nodules]

Recent widespread use of high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) for the screening of lung cancer have led to an increase in the detection rate of very faint and smaller lesions known as ground-glass nodule (GGN). However, it had been proved that GGN was well associated with lung cancer in previous studies. Therefore, the classification, imaging characteristics, pathological type, follow-up, suggested managements and other clinical concerns of GGN were reviewed in this paper.
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Comparison of postoperative complications between segmentectomy and lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Compared to lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), segmentectomy by VATS has a potential higher risk of postoperative atelectasis and air leakage. We compared postoperative complications between these two procedures, and analyzed their risk factors.

METHODS

We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent anatomical pulmonary resections by VATS from January 2014 to March 2018 in two Swiss university hospitals. All complications were reported. A logistic regression model was used to compare the risks of complications for the two interventions. Adjustment for patient characteristics was performed using a propensity score, and by including risk factors separately.

RESULTS

Among 690 patients reviewed, the major indication for lung resection was primary lung cancer (86.4%) followed by metastasis resection (5.8%), benign lesion (3.9%), infection (3.2%) and emphysema (0.7%). Postoperatively, there were 80 instances (33.3%) of complications in 240 segmentectomies, and 171 instances (38.0%) of complications in 450 lobectomies (P = 0.73). After adjustment for the patient's propensity to be treated by segmentectomy rather than lobectomy, the risks of a complication remained comparable for the two techniques (odds ratio for segmentectomy 0.91 (0.61-1.30), p = 0.59). Length of hospital stay and drainage duration were shorter after segmentectomy. On multivariate analysis, an American Society of Anesthesiologists score above 2 and a forced expiratory volume in one second below 80% of predicted value were significantly associated with the occurrence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of complications and their grade were similar between segmentectomy and lobectomy by VATS.

Impact of complex segmentectomies by video-assisted thoracic surgery on peri-operative outcomes

Background

Pulmonary segmentectomies are generally classified into simple (tri-segmentectomy or lingulectomy as well as apical or basilar segmentectomy) and complex (individual or bi-segmentectomy of the upper, middle and lower lobes). Complex segmentectomies are technically feasible by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) but remain challenging, and reports on post-operative outcomes are scarce. This study analyzes the differences between simple and complex VATS segmentectomy in terms of peri- and post-operative outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who underwent anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy by VATS from 2014 to 2018 in two university hospitals.

Results

A total of 232 patients (114 men; median age 67 years; range, 29-87 years) underwent VATS segmentectomy for primary lung cancer (n=177), metastases (n=26) and benign lesions (n=29). The overall 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 0.8% and 29.7%, respectively. The re-operation rate was 4.7%. Complex segmentectomy was realized in 111 patients including 86 (77.5%) upper lobe segmentectomies and 44 (39.6%) bi-segmentectomies. There was no statistical difference between complex and simple segmentectomy in terms of operative time (145 vs. 143 min, respectively; P=0.79) and chest tube duration [median: 1 (range, 0-33) vs. 2 (range, 1-19) days, respectively; P=0.95]. Post-operative overall complication rates were similar for both groups (30% vs. 30%, respectively; P=0.99) and were not correlated with the type of segmentectomy. However, complex segmentectomy patients had a shorter length of hospitalization compared to simple segmentectomy patients [median: 5 (range, 1-36) vs. 7 (range, 2-31) days; P=0.026]. Interestingly, complex segmentectomies were realized most frequently 2 years after implementation of VATS segmentectomy (23% vs. 77%; P=0.01).

Conclusions

In comparison with simple segmentectomy, complex segmentectomy by VATS seems to present similar post-operative complication rates. Learning curve and progressive increase in acceptance by surgeons seem to be key elements for successful implementation of complex segmentectomies and could explain the shorter length of stay we observed.

[Advances in the Study of the Effects of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Segmentectomy on Pulmonary Function]

2018年美国国立综合癌症网络关于非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）指南指出，对于早期NSCLC，解剖性肺叶切除为首选方案。随着电视胸腔镜技术的发展，以胸腔镜为代表的胸外科微创手术在临床得到了广泛应用。胸腔镜肺段切除术已经成为早期NSCLC的治疗方案之一。临床研究发现相较于肺叶切除，亚肺叶切除在早期NSCLC治疗中也可取得相似的结果并保留更多的肺功能，但肺段切除术后患者肺功能的改变尚存争议。本文将重点对胸腔镜肺段切除术后患者肺功能改变的研究进展做一综述。

Maximizing quality of life remains an ultimate goal in the era of precision medicine: exemplified by lung cancer

An ultimate goal of precision medicine in lung cancer treatment is to restore patient health with maximized quality of life (QOL). Results from Mayo Clinic studies show that a significant improvement in fatigue, dyspnea, and pain scales could lead to better overall QOL. Although treatments and guidelines for clinical implementation to alleviate these key symptoms are available, few cancer patients receive adequate therapy, mostly because of limitations in current care delivery systems and unclear clinicians’ roles. For optimal care of lung cancer survivors in different subpopulations, three barriers must be overcome: physicians’ lack of knowledge, unwarranted practice variation, and uncertainty regarding care provider roles. Appropriate culturally adapted, tested and validated tools for QOL measures must be developed, rather than directly translating existing tools between different languages and across cultures or diverse subpopulations. Finally, lack of sensitive, adequate, and relevant tools in measuring health-related QOL (HRQOL) has long been an issue for effective data collection, demanding a global consensus on a set of core components that reflect the needs of all critical parties for the best cure and care, supporting patients to achieve optimal HRQOL.

Clinical outcome and risk factors for complications after pulmonary segmentectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: results of an initial experience

Background

Pulmonary anatomical segmentectomies are increasingly being done via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We analyzed clinical outcomes and risk factors for post-operative complications after pulmonary segmentectomy by VATS was introduced in two institutions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients who underwent anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy by VATS from 2014 to 2016 at the university hospitals of Geneva and Lausanne in Switzerland.

Results

One hundred twenty-nine patients (64 men; median age 68 years, range, 29-85 years) underwent anatomical VATS segmentectomy for primary lung tumors (n=100), metastases (n=16) and benign lesions (n=13). The overall 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 0.8% and 31%, respectively. The reoperation rate was 4.7% [indications: hemothorax 2, prolonged air leak (PAL) 2, segmental torsion 1, empyema 1]. Chest drainage lasted for a median of 2 days (range, 1-33 days) and patients were discharged from the hospital after a median of 6 days (range, 2-37 days). Postoperative complications were mainly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [odds ratio (OR) 2.54 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.18-5.47], and smoking pack-years >50 units (OR 5.27; 95% CI, 1.68-16.55). Nine patients (9%) presented with distant recurrences. Nodule size >2 cm was associated with decreased disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.04). There was no association between surgical experience in VATS segmentectomy and DFS or postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Segmentectomies can be safely performed by VATS in an initial experience and result in favorable clinical outcome. COPD and smoking pack-years are associated with an increased risk of complications.

Impact of near-infrared angiography on the quality of anatomical resection during video-assisted thoracic surgery segmentectomy

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of near-infrared angiography in guiding intraoperatively sublobar anatomical resection by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 67 patients who underwent segmentectomy by VATS from November 2014 to November 2017 at the University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland. The need to modify arterial or parenchymal resection based on intraoperative near-infrared imaging was considered the primary study outcome.

Results

A total of 67 patients (28 men, 39 women, mean age 66±10 years) underwent anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy by VATS. Histological analysis revealed a primary lung tumor in 59 patients. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) operation time was 154±51 minutes. Identification of the intersegmental plane (ISP) with near-infrared angiography was achieved in 88% of patients and led to modification of the resection during segmentectomy in 7 patients (10%), avoiding inappropriate resection; 2 patients had distant tumor recurrences (3%).

Conclusions

Near-infrared angiography during VATS segmentectomy is effective for identifying ISPs, with respect to the oncological margins, as well as for correcting the anatomical resection.

Surgical treatment for early stage non-small cell lung cancer

Surgery is the standard of care for early stage non-small cell lung cancer. There is significant debate about the type of operation most effective for lung cancer. Minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted (VATS) and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) have been shown to reduce postoperative complications and shorten hospitalization. However, there remains skepticism about their oncologic effectiveness when compared to an open approach, though recent literature suggests no differences in upstaging or survival between VATS and thoracotomy. The extent of resection for early lung cancer also remains a matter of debate. Lobectomy remains the preferred operation and is associated with better survival and lower locoregional recurrence, but there is increased interest in the role of sublobar resections. Sublobar resections have similar mortality to lobar resections in small ground glass-predominant tumors. We examine the literature surrounding these controversies in this review.

VATS segmentectomy: past, present, and future

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has gradually been implemented in thoracic surgery, and the VATS approach has now been extended to technically challenging procedures, such as segmentectomy. The definition of VATS segmentectomy is changing over time, and the repertoire of segmentectomy is getting wider with increasing reports on atypical segmentectomy. VATS segmentectomy bears surgical, oncological, and technical advantages; however, there are still areas of controversy, particularly regarding oncological outcomes. The indication of VATS segmentectomy is diverse and is used for treating lung cancer, metastatic lung tumors, or a variety of nonmalignant diseases. It is particularly valuable for the lung-sparing resection of deeply located small nodules or repeated surgery for multiple lung lesions. VATS segmentectomy requires a thorough analysis of segmental anatomy and a tailored preoperative planning with the assessment of surgical margins. Technical challenges include intraoperative navigation, methods to identify and dissect the intersegmental plane, and the prevention of air leakage. This review will discuss the present state of VATS segmentectomy, with a focus on past studies, current indications and techniques, and future view.

VATS segmentectomy: an underused option?

It is well known that the "gold standard" procedure for surgically resectable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is pulmonary lobectomy. Even though sublobar resections (SLR), particularly segmentectomy, seem attractive as an alternative to lobectomy in early stage lung cancers, they are still debated procedures. The aim of this study is to answer to the question: "Is VATS lung segmentectomy an underused option?" To obtain an answer to this query, the authors carried out a review of the "state of the art" as follows: (I) performing a non-systematic review of the literature; (II) analyzing the review articles published; (III) looking at the ongoing studies, the results of which have not yet published; (IV) scanning the technical aspect of lung segmentectomy. After completing the multi-step revision, we can conclude that there is a lack of evidence about the oncological value of segmentectomy in early stage NSCLC. Although VATS segmentectomy is feasible and performed by many thoracic surgeons, it's currently not yet world-wide adopted. Among the trials now being recruited in some countries and, aimed to clarify the role of SLR in the treatment of early stage lung cancer, a European prospective randomized study is advocated to implement the scientific knowledge on this issue.

Unplanned Procedures During Thoracoscopic Segmentectomies

BACKGROUND

Thoracoscopic sublobar resections (TSLRs) are gaining popularity, but are challenging. However, despite technical difficulties, the reported rate of adverse events, complications, and unplanned procedures is low. To understand this paradox, we have studied our series of TSLRs.

METHODS

We reviewed our prospective and intention-to-treat database on videothoracoscopic anatomical resections and extracted all planned thoracoscopic segmentectomies from January 2007 to July 2016. Intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed. Unplanned procedures were defined as a conversion into thoracotomy or an unplanned additional pulmonary resection.

RESULTS

During the study period 284 thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomies were performed in 280 patients. There were 124 men and 156 women with a mean age of 64 years (range, 18 to 86 years). Indication for segmentectomy was a proven or suspected non-small cell lung carcinoma in 184 patients, suspected metastasis in 51 patients, and benign lesion in 49 patients. In total, 23 patients had an unplanned procedure (8%). There were 10 unplanned thoracotomies (9 conversions and 1 reoperation; 3.1%) mainly for vascular injuries, and 15 unplanned additional resections (5.1%) distributed among oncological reasons (n = 7), per operative technical issues (n = 6) and postoperative adverse events (lingular ischemia, n = 2). Considering only the 235 patients operated on for cancer, the unplanned additional pulmonary resection rate for an oncological reason was 3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Although lower than for thoracoscopic lobectomies, the rate of unplanned procedure during TSLRs is of concern. It could most likely be reduced by technical refinements, such as a better preoperative planning.

Thoracoscopic anatomic segmentectomies for lung cancer: technical aspects

Although the interest for thoracoscopic sublobar resections (TSLR) is rising, its use for treating non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is still controversial because publications dealing with survival and recurrence rate provide contradictory results. If applied to the resection of lung cancer, thoracoscopic segmentectomies must be performed according to oncological criteria. The aim of this technical paper is to give some technical details on thoracoscopic segmentectomies for the treatment of malignancies. Our experience is based on 235 thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomies performed in 232 patients for a malignant lesion between January 2007 and July 2016. Indication for segmentectomy was a proven or suspected NSCLC in 184 and suspected metastasis in 51 patients. Intraoperative and postoperative data were recorded in a prospective manner. There were eight conversions into a posterolateral thoracotomy (3.4%) and seven unplanned additional pulmonary resections for an oncological reason (3%). We discuss some technical refinements that could minimize these adverse events and make thoracoscopic segmentectomy a safe and reliable procedure.

Comparison of pulmonary function tests and perioperative outcomes after robotic-assisted pulmonary lobectomy vs segmentectomy

BACKGROUND

Lobectomy is standard treatment for early-stage lung cancer, but sublobar resection remains debated. We compared outcomes after robotic-assisted video-assisted thoracoscopic (R-VATS) segmentectomy vs lobectomy.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed data from 251 consecutive patients who underwent R-VATS lobectomy (n = 208) or segmentectomy (n = 43) by a single surgeon over 36 months. Pulmonary function tests and perioperative outcomes were compared using Chi-squared test, unpaired Student t test, or Kruskal-Wallis test, with significance at P ≤ .05.

RESULTS

Intraoperative complications were not significantly different, but median operative times were longer for R-VATS segmentectomies (P < .01). Postoperative complications were not significantly different, except for increased rates of pneumothorax after chest tube removal (P = .032) and of effusions or empyema (P = .011) after R-VATS segmentectomies. Predicted changes for forced expiratory volume in 1 second and diffusion constant of the lung for carbon monoxide are significantly less after R-VATS segmentectomy (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

R-VATS segmentectomy should be considered as an alternative to lobectomy for conserving lung function in respiratory-compromised lung cancer patients, although oncologic efficacy remains undetermined.