Conservation of tissue and function in pulmonary resection the technique of the anatomical separation of segments

Abstract

Total ablation of an entire limb to remove a small benign granuloma or tumor is unthinkable. Yet when an entire pulmonary lobe is removed for a similar lesion the sacrifice of normal tissue and function is taken for granted. Operations upon the lung commenced with pneumonectomy, were made more selective by lobectomy, and now can be confined to resection of single pulmonary segments when the diseased area is no more extensive, or to single segments in several lobes if necessary. Technically the pulmonary segment is the unit of pulmonary resection. The separation of one from another, or even a half of one from the other half, can be accomplished with anatomical accuracy. More widespread use of this operation will provide surgical aid to many bronchiectatic patients who otherwise are afflicted with disease too widespread for cure. It will conserve healthy lung tissue in benign conditions where removal of the diseased area is necessary. The technical steps of pulmonary segmental resection are outlined and illustrated.