Professional
Technical
IVT
wedge resection
A limited lung surgery that removes a small, wedge-shaped portion of lung tissue containing the tumor.
Full Definition
Wedge resection is the most conservative type of pulmonary resection, removing only the tumor with a small margin of normal lung tissue. This procedure is typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate more extensive surgery due to poor pulmonary function or comorbidities. While oncologically inferior to lobectomy for most lung cancers, wedge resection may be appropriate for small, peripheral tumors in high-risk patients or for metastasectomy procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from segmentectomy, which removes an entire anatomical lung segment rather than a non-anatomical wedge.
In Context
- "VATS wedge resection was performed for the 1.5 cm nodule." — Operative report
- "Wedge resection margins were negative for malignancy." — Pathology report
Also known as
limited resection
sublobar resection
Contrasted with
lobectomy
pneumonectomy
Don't confuse with
segmentectomy
enucleation