Comparison of the Oncologic Outcomes of Anatomic Segmentectomy and Lobectomy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Interest has been renewed in segmentectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether the oncologic outcomes are comparable with lobectomy is conflicting. To assess the evidence base, a systematic search identified 31 comparative studies for meta-analysis. No higher local or distant recurrence in segmentectomy compared with lobectomy. Nevertheless, worse outcomes in overall and recurrence-free survival for patients treated with segmentectomy were found. Lobectomy conferred a significant survival advantage compared with segmentectomy for stage I. However, segmentectomy was more suitable for stage IA NSCLC, with survivals equivalent to lobectomy. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results.