What is Segmentectomy Surgery

Segmentectomy surgery is a very useful surgical technique for treating lung cancer and removing localized lung disease. Doctors are recommending more procedures to remove the affected part of the lung while preserving as much healthy tissue. Here is where segmentectomy shines.

A Comprehensive Guide to What is Segmentectomy Surgery

Segmentectomy (also called a pneumonectomy) is a type lung-sparing operation in which only a segment of the lung lobe, and not an entire lung lobe, is removed. This procedure is especially beneficial for those with small lung tumors, non-small-cell lung cancer in its early stages or with poor lung function.

What is Segmentectomy Surgery

Segmentectomy, a minimally-invasive thoracic procedure, involves the removal of one or more segments from a lung. Each of our five lobes is divided into smaller sections that can be removed surgically without compromising the whole lobe.

This article explains what is segmentectomy surgery and its benefits for lung cancer patients.

A segmentectomy is a better option than a lobectomy which removes the entire lung lobe. This procedure is ideal for patients who have compromised lung function, or are diagnosed with small tumors (typically less than 2 cm).

Why Segmentectomy Surgery is Performed

In the following situations, segmentectomy is usually recommended:

1.  Early-Stage Lung Cancer:- Early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common indication for segmentectomy surgery. If the cancer is small and localized (T1 tumors), a segmentectomy may offer the same chance of survival as a lobectomy, while sparing more lung tissues.
2. Patients with Limited Lung function:- Some patients with respiratory problems, such as chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), may not tolerate the surgical removal of a lobe. Segmentectomy is a surgical procedure that allows for the removal of cancerous tissues while still preserving sufficient lung tissue to allow adequate breathing.

Non-cancerous Lung Nodules and Infections

Segmentectomy can also be performed when:

• Nodules of the lungs that are benign but may need to be removed for diagnosis or symptoms relief
• Localized infections such as bronchiectasis that do not respond well to medical treatment

Metastatic Tumors:- Tumors that originate in other parts of the human body, such as breast or colon cancer, can sometimes spread to the lungs. For isolated pulmonary metastatic lesions, a segmentectomy can be considered.

Benefits of Segmentectomy Surgery

Segmentectomy has gained popularity due to its ability to balance effective cancer treatment with lung preservation. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Lung Tissue Preservation:- Patients with compromised respiratory functions should be especially concerned about preserving healthy lung tissue. Segmentectomy is the removal of only the diseased tissue.
2. Similar Survival Outcomes:- Recent clinical trials show that segmentectomy offers comparable survival rates as lobectomy to certain patients with small tumors.
3. Less Invasive:- Segmentectomy can be performed using robot-assisted or video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) surgery. This requires only small cuts. This results in:

• Post-operative pain is reduced
• Hospital stay reduced
• Faster recovery
• Reduced Risk of Complications

The smaller the resection, the less likely there are to be complications such as respiratory failure or infections.

Risks and Considerations

Segmentectomy is not without its risks. The following risks may occur:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Air leakage from lung tissue
• Atelectasis is a collapsed lung
• Cancer recurrence (if cancerous cells are left behind).

It is therefore important to select the right patient. Segmentectomy is reserved for:

• Tumors that are located in the middle of a lung segment
• Images of lesions with margins that are clearly defined
• Tumors smaller than 2 cm

What to Expect: Procedure & Recovery

Before Surgery

Patients are usually treated with:

• Chest CT scan (or PET scan)
• Lung function tests
• Cardiac evaluation
• If needed, a biopsy or bronchoscopy is performed.
• The Surgical Procedure
• Performed under general anesthesia
• Open surgery, VATS or robotic-assisted procedures are all possible.

The surgeon carefully removes the lung segment, along with its artery and vein.

After Surgery

• Hospital stay: typically 2-5 days
• Drainage tubes can be used to remove fluid or air
• Improve lung function by breathing exercises and physiotherapy
• In 2-4 weeks, most patients are able to resume their daily routine.

Conclusion

Segmentectomy surgery is a significant step in the treatment of lung cancer. By focusing on removing only the diseased segment of the lung, it offers a tissue-sparing and function-preserving alternative to traditional lobectomy–especially for patients with small tumors or compromised lung function.
Segmentectomy is becoming a more popular option for thoracic surgeries as research and surgical techniques improve. It’s important to consult a thoracic or oncologist in order to determine the most appropriate treatment for your case.