Differences in postoperative changes in pulmonary functions following segmentectomy compared with lobectomy

Abstract

Our data suggest that segmentectomy preserved whole lung function better than lobectomy, because it not only preserved the lobe but also increased the function of the ipsilateral non-operated lobe. Lobectomy did not result in an increase of ipsilateral non-operated lobe function. Contralateral lung function increased after both procedures. The postoperative increase in regional functions could be the result of compensatory lung growth.