Our Summary

This study looked at the effect of a certain type of surgery on patients who were diagnosed before birth with congenital lung malformations (CLMs). The surgery, called segmental resection, is a lung-saving procedure that removes a smaller portion of the lung compared to another common procedure called lobectomy.

The researchers reviewed data from 27 patients who had been diagnosed with CLMs before birth and later had surgery. Seven of these patients had a lobectomy, and 20 had a segmental resection. The type of surgery each patient received depended on how much of their lung was affected by cysts.

The researchers found that the segmental resection took longer to perform, but the time patients spent in the hospital and how long they needed a chest tube didn’t differ between the two groups. After surgery, almost all patients had a CT scan of their chest. There were a few cases of remaining lung lesions - one of the possible downsides of segmental resection - but the incidence was low.

In conclusion, the study found that segmental resection is relatively safe and can give similar results to lobectomy in patients with prenatally diagnosed CLMs. Importantly, this type of surgery can save more of the patient’s lung, which could help maintain their lung function later on. Therefore, the study suggests that segmental resection might be a better choice for these patients if the lesions can be precisely located before surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between segmental resection and lobectomy in treating lung malformations?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the safety and efficacy of segmental resection in patients with prenatally diagnosed CLMs?
  3. How does the type of surgery chosen depend on the extent of lung affected by cysts in patients with congenital lung malformations?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in any recommended rehabilitation or physical therapy. It is also important to avoid smoking and to prioritize overall lung health through regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lung resection include those with lung cancer, lung infections or abscesses, benign lung tumors, and certain congenital lung malformations. Patients with a significant portion of their lung affected by disease or damage may benefit from lung resection to remove the affected tissue and improve lung function. Additionally, patients with severe emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be candidates for lung volume reduction surgery, a type of lung resection that aims to improve breathing by reducing the size of hyperinflated lungs. Overall, the decision to recommend lung resection depends on the specific condition and individual circumstances of each patient.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient is diagnosed with congenital lung malformations (CLMs) before birth
  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluation and imaging tests to determine the extent of the malformations
  • Surgery type (lobectomy or segmental resection) is decided based on the location and size of the lesions
  • Patient is informed about the procedure and potential risks and benefits

After lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes surgery (lobectomy or segmental resection) to remove the affected portion of the lung
  • Patient is monitored in the hospital for complications and recovery
  • Patient may require a chest tube to drain excess fluid or air from the chest cavity
  • Patient undergoes postoperative imaging tests to assess the success of the surgery and check for any remaining lesions
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and rehabilitation.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung resection include:

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of segmental resection compared to lobectomy for my specific condition?
  2. How will the type of surgery I undergo affect my lung function and long-term prognosis?
  3. How will the recovery process differ between segmental resection and lobectomy?
  4. What are the chances of any remaining lung lesions or complications after segmental resection?
  5. How experienced is the surgical team in performing segmental resection for congenital lung malformations?
  6. What alternative treatments or procedures are available for my condition?
  7. How will my quality of life be impacted by undergoing segmental resection?
  8. What follow-up care and monitoring will be needed after the surgery?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after undergoing segmental resection?
  10. Can you provide me with more information or resources to help me understand the procedure and make an informed decision?

Reference

Authors: Lee S, Kim DH, Lee SK. Journal: Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2017 Mar 1;24(3):425-429. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivw408. PMID: 28040760