Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of lobectomy combined with segmentectomy: a cohort study

BACKGROUND: Segmentectomy is a standard procedure, and there is considerable data on routine segmentectomies. However, there are only few reports on lobectomy performed in combination with segmentectomy (lobectomy + segmentectomy). Thus, we aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of lobectomy + segmentectomy. METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy between January 2010 and July 2021 at Gunma University Hospital, Japan. We comparatively analyzed clinicopathological data of patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy and those who underwent lobectomy in combination with wedge resection (lobectomy + wedge resection). RESULTS: We collected data from 22 patients who underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy and 72 who underwent lobectomy + wedge resection. Lobectomy + segmentectomy was mainly performed to treat lung cancer, and the median number of resected segments was 4.5 and the median number of lesions was 2. Lobectomy + segmentectomy was associated with a higher rate of thoracotomy and a longer operation time. Incidence of overall complications, including pulmonary fistula and pneumonia was higher in the lobectomy + segmentectomy group. However, there were no significant differences in the length of drainage, major complications, and mortality. For lobectomy + segmentectomy, the only left-sided procedure was a left lower lobectomy + lingulectomy, whereas procedures were diverse on the right side, mostly combining a right upper or middle lobectomy with atypical segmentectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Lobectomy + segmentectomy was performed for (I) multiple lung lesions, (II) lesions invading an adjacent lobe, or (III) lesions with a metastatic lymph node invading the bronchial bifurcation. Although lobectomy + segmentectomy is a lung-preserving procedure that can benefit patients with multiple or advanced diseases involving two lobes, this procedure should still be performed following a careful patient selection process.