Pulmonary completion lobectomy after segmentectomy: An integrated analysis of perioperative outcomes

Background Completion lobectomy (CL) after anatomical segmentectomy is technically challenging and rarely performed. Here, we aimed to report perioperative outcomes of a single center real‐world CL data. Methods Seven patients who underwent CL after segmentectomy were retrospectively evaluated between 2015–2021. Additionally, 34 patients were included in the review based on relevant studies in the literature until March 2022. A total of 41 patients were finally analyzed and classified into groups, according to surgical approach (video‐assisted thoracic surgery [VATS] and thoracotomy; 12 and 29 patients, respectively) or interval‐to‐CL following initial segmentectomy (≤8 weeks [short] and >8 weeks [long]; 11 and 30 patients, respectively). Results There were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, or complications between the predefined groups. However, a longer operative time was observed in the long interval‐to‐CL group than in the short interval‐to‐CL group (267 vs. 226 min, p  = 0.02). The rate of severe hilar adhesions was higher in the thoracotomy versus VATS groups (72 vs. 42%, p  = 0.06) and in the long versus short interval‐to‐CL groups (70 vs. 45%, p  = 0.15). On multivariable logistic regression analysis of a subgroup ( n  = 30), completion lobectomy of upper lobes may be associated with severe hilar adhesions ( p =  0.02, odds ratio: 13.98; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36–143.71). Conclusion Completion lobectomy after segmentectomy can be performed securely by either VATS or thoracotomy. Although the thoracotomy and long interval‐to‐CL groups retained a greater percentage of severe hilar adhesions, the perioperative outcomes were similar to those of VATS and short interval‐to‐CL groups, respectively.