Computed Tomography-Guided Localization and Extended Segmentectomy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is one of the most devastating cancers. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) can detect lung cancer at an early stage of the disease when a minimally invasive surgical procedure using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is the best strategy. Herein, we discuss the treatment of deep lung tumors between segments or lesions located near the margin of a segment. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted from January 2013 to January 2020 using the National Taiwan University Hospital data bank. We included early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who underwent lung surgery and screened out those who received CT-guided localization for extended segmentectomy. Outcome measurements were safety margin, complication rate, and postoperative course. Results: During the study period, 68 patients with early-stage NSCLC received CT-guided localization followed by extended segmentectomy. The mean surgery time was 92.1 ± 30.3 min, and the mean blood loss was 32.8 mL. Mean drainage time was 2.3 ± 1 days, and the total hospital stay was 4.9 ± 1.1 days. Pathological reports showed tumor-free resection margins >2 cm. Sixty-one patients had adenocarcinoma at stage IA and two patients at stage IB. One patient had squamous cell carcinoma at stage IA. Conclusion: CT-guided localization followed by extended segmentectomy allows lung volume preservation with clean safety margins and good clinical outcomes.