Novel techniques for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery segmentectomy

Abstract

Small lung cancers are being increasing diagnosed because of advances in computed tomography (CT) and low-dose CT screening. Sublobar resection of peripheral, small lung nodules, such as groundglass nodules, is a useful therapeutic option that obtains both a pathological diagnosis and radical cure. Lung segmentectomy is a better option than wedge resection for securing a sufficient surgical margin and can also be used to assess hilar nodes. Anatomical segmentectomy, however, is a technically more complicated operative procedure than standard lobectomy. We describe the issues and novel techniques of video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy.