Sublobar Resection (Wedge Resection)

Overview and Facts about Sublobar Resection (Wedge Resection)

Sublobar resection (or wedge resection) is a surgical treatment for lung cancer. This procedure has become more popular in recent years.

For decades, patients with lung cancer received lobectomies, which removed a part of the lung. Lobectomies are an effective treatment for lung cancer, but they can be risky. Sublobar resection, which removes a smaller section of the lung, can be a safer option.

Wedge resection is a common form of this kind of thoracic surgery. During wedge resection, a surgeon removes your tumor and may also remove a small amount of healthy tissue around the tumor. This process helps prevent the tumor from returning.

What to Expect during a Sublobar Resection (Wedge Resection)

If you are diagnosed with lung cancer, your doctor will help you review your options. Surgery is often the best treatment, but some patients can't tolerate a lobectomy. Your doctor can determine which procedure is best for you and whether or not you need other cancer treatments, like chemotherapy.

If your doctor recommends surgery, your procedure will take place at a hospital. First, your medical team will give you anesthesia to make you sleep through the procedure. The team will also place a tube down your throat to help you breathe during the surgery.

Sublobar resections often involve video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). During VATS, your surgeon makes a small incision in the chest wall, then threads a camera into the incision and uses narrow instruments to perform the surgery. VATS can offer a faster recovery time, with a lower risk of bleeding.

In some cases, your surgeon may also use a robotic surgical system. These systems allow your surgeon to work with added precision. Some patients may be nervous about robotic surgery, but rest assured that your surgeon remains in control of the surgical tools at all times. Robotic surgery can reduce blood loss and post-surgical pain.

Once your surgery is complete, your surgeon will remove the instruments and seal the incision. You will then spend a few days in the hospital. After discharge, you will finish your recovery at home.

What are the Side Effects of Sublobar Resection (Wedge Resection)?

After sublobar resection, some patients may have:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

You may feel weak or run-down, and your incisions may feel sore. In most cases, these side effects will go away after a few weeks. Let your doctor know if these symptoms worsen. If your side effects persist, you may need further treatment.

What are the Risks of a Sublobar Resection (Wedge Resection)?

Sublobar resection carries fewer risks than a lobectomy. Wedge resections, in particular, are minimally invasive. These procedures are safe for most patients and are often recommended for patients who can't tolerate open surgery.

However, all surgery carries some risks. Some patients who undergo sublobar resection may develop:

• Blood clots
• Pneumonia
• Post-surgical infections

Sublobar resection typically removes less tissue than other lung cancer surgeries. In some cases, however, your surgeon may fail to remove all cancerous tissue. Your cancer may return later or continue to spread.

Follow-up treatments like radiation can help in the fight against your cancer. Your medical team can provide more details about your cancer prognosis.