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

Abstract

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.