Lung Cancer Surgery Part D: Lobectomies

The aim of surgical treatment of NSLC is complete resection. Lobectomy remains the definitive resections because it is an anatomic resection that assures the regional lymph nodes that course along the lobar bronchus and thus provides the best staging information and local control. The risk of pulmonary resection depends on both patient characteristics (i.e. FEV1, DLCO etc.), and type of resection (i.e. pneumonectomy, lobectomy, segmentectomy; open thoracotomy vs. VATS). The posterolateral position is used for lobectomy because it gives the surgeon the greatest maneuverability. Key points in the performance of lobectomy are mobilization of the lobe, fissure dissection and management of the vessels and bronchus.

Keywords: Lung carcinoma, resection, lobe.