lobectomy
Pronunciation: loh-BEK-toh-mee
Surgical removal of an entire lobe of the lung, typically performed for early-stage lung cancer.
Full Definition
Lobectomy is the standard surgical treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer when the tumor is confined to a single lobe and the patient has adequate pulmonary function. The procedure involves removal of an entire anatomical lobe along with the corresponding lymph nodes for staging purposes. Lobectomy can be performed through traditional open thoracotomy or minimally invasive approaches including video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or robotic-assisted surgery. The procedure offers the best balance between oncological completeness and preservation of lung function compared to more extensive resections like bilobectomy or pneumonectomy.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify which lobe when documented (right upper, left lower, etc.).
In Context
- "The patient underwent successful right upper lobectomy with complete lymph node dissection." — Operative report
- "Post-operative imaging showed expected changes following left lower lobectomy." — Radiology report