Endoscopic Lobectomy: A Minimally Invasive Lung Cancer Surgery

The National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 220,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010. Thanks to medical advances, minimally invasive surgical options are becoming more common in cancer cases.

Lobectomy

• The most common lung cancer surgery is called a lobectomy, the removal of one entire lobe of the lung. It is generally performed during early-stage lung cancer diagnoses.

Endoscopy

• Endoscopy is a procedure that allows physicians to look into the body using a camera that is attached to a small, flexible tube. Surgeons will generally insert a bronchoscope through the mouth or nose in order to view the lungs.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

• With the advent of minimally invasive techniques, surgeons are able to perform a lobectomy using three 1-inch incisions, as opposed to the single 8-inch chest incision that is traditionally used. Known as a video-assisted lobectomy, this technique allows the physician to access the chest cavity without spreading the ribs.