Effective division of the intersegmental plane using a robotic stapler in robotic pulmonary segmentectomy.

PURPOSES: Robot-assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) segmentectomy is becoming increasingly common because of the expanded indications for segmentectomy and the widespread adoption of robotic surgery. The precise division of the intersegmental plane is necessary to ensure oncologic margins from the tumor and to preserve the lung function. In this study, we present a strategy for accurately dividing the intersegmental plane using a robotic stapler and review the surgical outcomes. METHODS: RATS portal segmentectomy was performed using the Da Vinci Xi system and the intersegmental plane was dissected using a robotic stapler. We evaluated the perioperative outcomes in 92 patients who underwent RATS portal segmentectomy between May 2020 and January 2023. These results were compared with those of 82 patients who underwent complete video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (CVATS) during the same period. RESULTS: The operative and console times were 162 and 97 min, respectively. No intraoperative complications occurred, and postoperative complications were observed in four cases (4.3%). The operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, and maximum incision size were significantly lower in the RATS group than in the CVATS group. However, RATS requires a significantly higher number of staplers than CVATS. CONCLUSIONS: The division of the intersegmental plane using a robotic stapler in RATS portal segmentectomy was, therefore, found to be safe and effective.

Intraoperative fluorescence image-guided pulmonary segmentectomy.

BACKGROUND: The intraoperative color and fluorescence-merged imaging system (ICFIS) is a new technology that may aid the demarcation of intersegmental borders during pulmonary segmentectomy. This study was performed to validate, for the first time, image-guided segmentectomy using ICFIS and to find the optimal dosage of fluorescent dye to ensure safe and sustained imaging during surgery. METHODS: Nine rabbits were subjected to pulmonary segmentectomy. These constituted three groups of three rabbits each. After ligation of the segmental pulmonary artery supplying the targeted segment, the rabbits were injected intravenously with indocyanine green (ICG) at a concentration of 0.3, 0.6, or 3.0 mg/kg, depending on their group assignment. The optimal dose was determined from the rabbit study and then used to guide ICFIS during pulmonary segmentectomy in five pigs. RESULTS: The fluorescent signal contrast ratios of the targeted area to the normal lung using ICG concentrations of 0.3, 0.6, or 3.0 mg/kg were 1.9 ± 0.25, 2.0 ± 0.17, and 2.1 ± 0.06, respectively. The mean ICG washout times were 1, 3, and 6 min, respectively. Proceeding with an ICG concentration of 0.6 mg/kg, the mean washout time was found to be longer in pigs (15 min). This provided adequate time for successful ICFIS-guided segmentectomy in all five pigs, without the requirement for additional procedures for intersegmental plane demarcation. CONCLUSIONS: ICG image-guided segmentectomy using ICFIS enabled immediate visualization of the intersegmental planes. The washout time using the ICG dose determined in this study was long enough to ensure that visualization was sustained throughout the surgery.

Thoracoscopic S1 segmentectomy, right upper lobe: alternative posterior approach.

Minimally invasive pulmonary segmentectomy allows adequate oncological treatment in selected cases while preserving lung parenchyma and minimizing perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. Although several variations of minimally invasive pulmonary segmentectomy have been described, a fully thoracoscopic multiport approach that allows direct access to the segmental structures, is straightforward and is versatile enough to allow adaptation in case of unexpected intraoperative findings (such as conversion to lobectomy in the case of positive margins) is preferable. The S1 (apical) segment of the right upper lobe has some unique features that may make a conventional anterior approach challenging. The presence of multiple vascular structures bearing complex anatomical relationships and the requirement for preserving these structures may make identification of and access to the apical artery, and subsequent access to the segmental bronchus, challenging. In contradistinction, a posterior approach may obviate some of these challenges by allowing direct access to the segmental bronchus. Once the bronchus is divided, the apical artery is in direct alignment with the operating instruments, without encroachment from other troublesome vascular structures. This situation, however, remains contingent on individual anatomy, which may vary.

A robotic left S6 and S1/2c segmentectomy using the lung-inverted approach.

In pulmonary segmentectomy, the dominant pulmonary arteries are traditionally divided at the fissure. However, this approach sometimes leads to inadvertent injury to the pulmonary artery and prolonged air leak when the fissure is fused. To overcome these problems, by taking advantage of the good visualization provided by robotic surgery, we have adopted the lung-inverted approach without fissure dissection for segmentectomy. We have successfully performed a robotic left S6 and S1+2c segmentectomy using the lung-inverted approach. In addition to a good postoperative course, the console time was 57 minutes, which was considered relatively short. This approach may have contributed to the short operating time because it did not require repeated rotation of the lung. A clear understanding of the anatomy was required to perform this approach properly, because each branch of the pulmonary vessels and bronchi was treated inverted at the hilum. A preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography broncho-angiographic scan was considered useful because it allowed us to recognize the relative positions of the dominant pulmonary vessels, the bronchi and other structures that were preserved.

Two cases of lower lobe segmentectomy (left and right) using the lung-inverted approach in a robotic operation.

In pulmonary segmentectomy, the dominant pulmonary arteries are conventionally divided at the fissure. However, this approach sometimes leads to accidental injury of the pulmonary artery and prolonged air leaks when the fissure is fused. To overcome these problems, we have adopted the lung-inverted approach without dissection of a fissure for segmentectomy, taking advantage of the good view provided by robotic surgery. We have successfully performed a robotic left S10 or right S6 segmentectomy using the lung-inverted approach. In addition to a good postoperative course, the console time was 72 minutes for the left S10 segmentectomy and 110 minutes for the right S6 segmentectomy; these times were considered relatively short. This approach did not require repeated rotation of the lung, which may have contributed to the short operating time. A clear understanding of the anatomy was required to properly implement this approach, because each branch of the pulmonary vessels and of the bronchi was treated at the hilum. Preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography broncho-angiography was considered useful because it allowed us to recognize the relative positions of the dominant pulmonary vessels, bronchi and other preserved structures.

Impact of intrapulmonary tumour location of non-small-cell lung cancer on surgical outcomes for segmentectomy.

OBJECTIVES: While segmentectomy is considered a viable option for small peripheral non-small-cell lung cancer, its efficacy for central lesions remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the oncological outcomes of segmentectomy for central lesions compared to peripheral ones. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 338 clinical stage IA non-small-cell lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy at our institution from January 2013 to December 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on intrapulmonary tumour location: inner two-thirds (central group, n = 82) and outer one-third (peripheral group, n = 256). RESULTS: The gender, body mass index, performance score, smoking, comorbidities and preoperative pulmonary function were similar in both groups. On computed tomography images, tumour diameter and consolidation-to-tumour ratio were comparable between the groups. The central group had significantly greater tumour-to-pleura distances [mm, 23 (18-27) vs 11 (8-14); P < 0.001], shorter margin distances [mm, 20 (15-20) vs 20 (20-20); P < 0.001] and larger resected lung volumes based on subsegment count [4 (3-6) vs 3 (3-5); P = 0.004] than the peripheral group. Surgery duration, bleeding, hospitalization or drainage period, mortality, readmission and pathological stage were equivalent between the groups. The central group showed significantly more postoperative pleural effusions (5% vs 1%; P = 0.03) than the peripheral group, with no adverse impact on postoperative pulmonary functions. During the follow-up period, local-only recurrence rates were 0% and 8% in the respective groups (Gray test P = 0.07), and total recurrence rates were 6% and 11% (Gray test P = 0.70), with no significant differences. Moreover, no significant inter-group difference in overall survival rates was observed (82% vs 93%; P = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: Segmentectomy may be a promising therapeutic option for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer located in the inner two-thirds of the parenchyma.

Impact of indocyanine green on prolonged air leak in minimally invasive segmentectomy.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomies have become the gold standard for the treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer less than two centimeters. The main difficulty is the identification of intersegmental boundary lines which dictate postoperative morbidities. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive segmentectomy using the traditional deflation-inflation method or the novel indocyanine green (ICG) technique. Using a prospectively maintained database, we performed a retrospective analysis of 197 consecutive anatomical segmentectomies, from 2020 to 2023. Clinical effectiveness, postoperative complications, and histological data were compared. RESULTS: A total of 73 (37%) patients had the inflation-deflation method and 124 (63%) had the intravenous ICG method. There were no significant differences in chest tube duration, prolonged air leak, postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stays. Surgical margin width was also similar between the two groups. The multivariable analysis confirmed these results. Lastly, intravenous ICG brought no additional value in complex segmentectomies. CONCLUSION: This monocentric and retrospective analysis found no added value of the intravenous ICG on the perioperative results of minimally invasive segmentectomies. The place of this novel technique in the surgical armamentarium remains to be defined. Specific indications such as complex segmentectomy or patients with chronic pulmonary disease require further study.

Simply designed robotic combined subsegmentectomy for a lesion in the left S10 via a posterior approach.

Segmentectomies involving the posterior basal segment (S10) of the lower lobe present a challenging surgical procedure due to anatomical complexities, especially when lesions extend towards the lateral basal segment (S9). We introduce a combined subsegmentectomy technique via a posterior approach for a lesion situated between S9b and S10b, which preserves subsegmental branches that do not affect the resection margin of the tumour and facilitates intersegmental division without extending dissection into the interlobar region. This technique, the goal of which is to reduce the extent of dissection and complex stapling, is expected to minimize pulmonary complications and intrathoracic adhesions without compromising oncological outcomes. By potentially mitigating challenges in an ipsilateral reoperation, this approach offers a valuable alternative for managing second lung cancers.

Thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy for the treatment of congenital lung malformation in children.

BACKGROUND: Lung-sparing surgery has been used to treat congenital lung malformation in children, and segmentectomy has been advocated as a lung-preservation strategy. However, thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy has gained limited popularity considering the complications, the potential for residual lesions, and the technical difficulties associated with this procedure. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of pediatric thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy for the treatment of congenital lung malformations. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 568 patients who were treated at West China Hospital, Sichuan University, from January 2014 to January 2020. The patients were divided into segmentectomy and lobectomy groups according to the surgical procedures they underwent. Clinical and follow-up outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The segmentectomy and lobectomy groups included 206 and 361 cases, respectively. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly higher in the segmentectomy group (6.9 mL vs. 4.5 mL; p = 0.03). The mean surgical time was also significantly longer in the segmentectomy group, (55.6 min vs. 41.5 min; p = 0.018). However, the incidence of complications did not differ significantly between the two groups (2.9% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.21). Patients in both groups did not require reoperation or show residual lesions during hospitalization and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy is a safe and feasible definitive lung-sparing treatment for specific cases of congenital lung malformation, and has a complication rate comparable to that of thoracoscopic lobectomy.

Robotic Segmentectomy.

Pulmonary segmentectomy is a parenchymal-sparing alternative approach to lobectomy for the surgical management of stage I NSCLC. Segmentectomy is an anatomical resection that requires meticulous dissection and exposure of the segmental pulmonary artery, vein, and bronchus. The open thoracotomy approach has been gradually replaced by video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) and robotic-assisted minimally invasive approaches for performing segmentectomy for surgical resection for early-stage lung cancer. There are 2 recent randomized studies that demonstrated that pulmonary segmentectomy is equivalent to lobectomy for the surgical management of NSCLC tumors 2 cm or smaller. This article will review robotic-assisted segmentectomy techniques that are performed for the surgical management of stage I nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Prolonged air leak after segmentectomy: incidence and risk factors.

Background: We designed this study to investigate the rate and risk factors of prolonged air leak (PAL) in patients undergoing pulmonary segmentectomy in our unit. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on 191 patients undergoing pulmonary segmentectomy (January 2017-August 2021). A PAL was defined as an air leak >5 days. Results: One hundred and sixty-eight segmentectomies were performed using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), 13 were open operations and 10 were robotic. PAL occurred in 36 patients (19%). Their average post-operative stay was 2.4 days longer than those without PAL. Logistic regression analysis showed that a low preoperative carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) (OR 0.98, P<0.001), low body mass index (BMI) (OR 0.95, P=0.002) and the performance of complex segmentectomies (OR 2.2, P<0.001). were significantly associated with PAL. Conclusions: Pulmonary segmentectomies are associated with a not negligible risk of PAL when using real world data, especially in patients with compromised pulmonary function and after complex segmentectomies. This finding is useful to inform the decision-making process.

Bronchial branching patterns and volumetry in the right upper lobe: impact on segmentectomy planning.

OBJECTIVES: The use of segmentectomy is expected to increase. However, understanding of the segmental bronchial branching is limited. Herein, we aimed to investigate bronchial branching pattern complexity and segmental volumetry of the right upper lung lobe to develop an accurate understanding of segmental anatomy and contribute to the advancement of safe and efficient lung segmentectomy. METHODS: We evaluated chest computed tomography scans of 303 patients and categorized the branching of segmental bronchi (segment 1, apical; segment 2, posterior; and segment 3, anterior) into 4 major types (typical trifurcated, bifurcated non-defective, bifurcated defective and atypical trifurcated) and 11 subtypes. Segmental volumetry was performed to determine the predominant segment in each case (volume difference <5% was considered equal). Branching complexity was evaluated separately for volumetry-predominant and volumetry-non-predominant segments. RESULTS: Trifurcated non-defective was the most frequent branching type (64.4%), followed by bifurcated non-defective (22.1%), bifurcated defective (8.6%) and trifurcated half-defective (4.0%). In terms of segmental volumetry, most cases had a one-segment-predominant distribution (71%) and only 5% of cases had equal distribution (segment 1 = segment 2 = segment 3). More than half of the cases had a segment 3-predominant distribution (52%). Branching complexity analysis revealed that the volumetry-non-predominant segment was associated with a higher risk of complex branching patterns compared with the volumetry-predominant segment (37% vs 19%, respectively; P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric assessment of the right upper lobe showed a heterogeneous segmental volume distribution. Care should be taken during lung segmentectomy of the volumetry-non-predominant segments because of the high risk associated with complex bronchial branching patterns. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: No. 4840.

A robotic anterior (S3) segmentectomy of the left upper lobe.

A robotic approach might be more suitable for pulmonary segmentectomy than the conventional thoracoscopic approach, because the high-definition 3-dimensional surgical view and precise motion without tremor allow us to dissect pulmonary vessels and bronchi to the periphery. However, among several types of segmentectomies, the anterior segmentectomy (S3) of the left upper lobe may be one of the most difficult to achieve in the robotic approach because the dissected hilar region tends to be obstructed by the lung parenchyma in the "looking-up" view. We offer two technical tips to achieve robotic left S3 segmentectomy. The first is the proper retraction of the upper lobe using straw gauze, which allows us to get a good surgical view in the dissected hilar area where pulmonary vessels and bronchi are located. Second, when the intersegmental plane is divided by robotic staplers, the lung should be moved to the dividing line because the angulation of the inserted stapler is limited. Taking these two tips into consideration, we have successfully performed a robotic left S3 segmentectomy. We show the surgical steps of this procedure.

Thoracoscopic left upper division (S1/2/3) resection: alternative posterior approach.

A minimally invasive pulmonary segmentectomy allows adequate oncological treatment in selected cases while preserving lung parenchyma and minimizing perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay. Most lung segments may be resected as segmentectomies or as part of bisegmentectomies (as is the case for the lingula). In the author's experience, left upper division resection (S1, S2, S3 trisegmentectomy) may be challenging. Because the lingula and lingular structures need to be preserved, they may obstruct visualization and hamper the movement of the dissecting instruments. This has been the author's experience using an anterior approach. In contradistinction, a posterior approach allows direct access to the artery and arterial branches and greatly facilitates access to the segmental bronchus. Dissection of the bronchus proceeds from back to front, away from the artery. In addition, when we are isolating and encircling the bronchus, we have already freed the artery from the bronchus and it is safely out of the way. The advantages of a posterior approach are particularly apparent when pathological nodes between the bronchus and artery make the dissection tedious, as in the case presented. Regardless of the surgical approach, S1/S2/S3 trisegmentectomy remains a challenging procedure that requires great care in its execution.

Anterior unidirectional approach in a uniportal thoracoscopic anterior segmentectomy (S3) of the right upper lobe for a dense fissure.

Most types of segmentectomies require dissection of a fissure to expose the pulmonary arteries, which is considered a conventional technique. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with a dense fissure in a pulmonary segmentectomy as well as in a lobectomy. Nevertheless, only a few reports describe the operative technique for managing a dense fissure in a pulmonary segmentectomy. Although a dense fissure is frequently found between the right upper and the middle lobes, only one previous report has described an anterior segmentectomy (S3) of the right upper lobe without the dissection of a dense fissure between the right upper and middle lobes. In this video tutorial, we show the appropriate surgical steps for a right S3 segmentectomy using an anterior unidirectional approach via uniportal thoracoscopy for a patient with a dense fissure.

Effects of uniportal thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy and lobectomy on patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer and risk factors of postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of uniportal thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy and lobectomy on patients with early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC) and risk factors of postoperative complications. METHODS: The clinical data of 97 patients with early lung cancer treated in Mingguang People's Hospital between October 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 45 patients who underwent pulmonary segmentectomy were assigned to the observation group. The remaining 52 patients who underwent lobectomy were assigned to the control group. The perioperative indexes of the two groups were compared, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative lymph node dissection, postoperative indwelling time of drainage tube and postoperative drainage volume. The treatment cost and hospitalization time of the two groups were compared. The changes of inflammatory indexes including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. The changes of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were compared between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups was counted. Logistic regression was conducted for analyzing the risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and number of intraoperative lymph node dissected (all P>0.05). The observation group experienced a significantly shorter postoperative indwelling time of drainage tube and less postoperative drainage volume than the control group after surgery (P<0.05). The observation group presented significantly lower CRP, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α levels than the control group (P<0.001). The observation group presented significantly higher FEV1 and FVC levels than the control group at 3 months after operation (P<0.001). The treatment cost of the two groups was not greatly different (P>0.05), but the observation group experienced a significantly shorter hospitalization time than the control group (P<0.001). The two groups were similar in the incidence of complications (P>0.05). According to multivariate logistics regression analysis, age, operation time, and number of lymph nodes dissected were independent risk factors for postoperative complications (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: To sum up, for patients with early LC, pulmonary segmentectomy is significantly more effective than lobectomy in terms of pulmonary function and inflammatory response, and age, operation time and number of lymph node dissected during operation are independent risk factors affecting postoperative complications.

Risk factors for late-onset pulmonary fistula after pulmonary segmentectomy.

Background: Late-onset pulmonary fistula (LOPF) is a well-described complication after segmentectomy, but the precise incidence and risk factors are still unclear. We aimed to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, LOPF development after segmentectomy. Methods: A single-institution retrospective study was performed. A total of 396 patients who underwent segmentectomy were enrolled. Perioperative data were analyzed to identify the risk factors for LOPF requiring readmission according to univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The overall morbidity rate was 19.4%. The incidence rates of prolonged air leak (PAL) in the early phase and LOPF in the late phase were 6.3% (25/396) and 4.5% (18/396), respectively. The most common surgical procedures with LOPF development were segmentectomy of the upper-division (n=6) and S6 (n=5). With a univariate analysis, presence of smoking-related diseases did not affect LOPF development (P=0.139). Conversely, segmentectomy with cranial side free space (CSFS) in the intersegmental plane and use of electrocautery to divide the intersegmental plane were associated with a high risk of LOPF development (P=0.006 and 0.009, respectively). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that segmentectomy with CSFS in the intersegmental plane and use of electrocautery were independent risk factors for LOPF development. Approximately 80% of patients who developed LOPF recovered by prompt drainage and pleurodesis without reoperation, whereas the remaining patients developed empyema due to delayed drainage. Conclusions: Segmentectomy with CSFS is an independent risk factor for LOPF development. Careful postoperative follow up and rapid treatment are necessary to avoid empyema.

Preoperative percutaneous needle indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture marking in lung segmentectomy.

OBJECTIVES: For successful nodule localization and appropriate surgical margin distances in pulmonary segmentectomy for patients with lung malignancies, the effectiveness and feasibility of preoperative marking using an indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture remain unclear. METHODS: Patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy with (marking group, n = 69) and without (non-marking group, n = 265) preoperative marking at our institution from January 2013 to March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and compared in terms of surgical outcomes. All markings were performed using a fine needle to percutaneously inject an indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture under the guidance of computed tomography fluoroscopy. RESULTS: Successful localization was achieved in 66 (96%) patients, of whom 62 (94%) underwent dye pigmentation and 4 (6%) underwent intraoperative fluoroscopy. On images, the marking group showed a significantly longer distance between the lung surface and tumour [mm, 9 (1-17) vs 0 (0-10); P < 0.01] and smaller maximum tumour size [mm, 16 (11-21) vs 17 (13-23); P = 0.03] and consolidation tumour ratio [0.4 (0.3-1) vs 0.8 (0.4-1); P < 0.01] than the non-marking group. Both groups had comparable operative outcomes, perioperative complications, pulmonary function changes and surgical margin distances [mm, 20 (15-21) vs 20 (15-20); P = 0.96] without any local recurrence on the surgical margin. Propensity score-matching analysis also showed similar findings for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy with preoperative marking using an indigo carmine and lipiodol mixture may be an acceptable therapeutic option for small malignancies located in deep lung parenchyma.

Progress in three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy.

The number of minimally invasive surgeries, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, has increased enormously in recent years. More and more relevant studies report that anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy has the same effect as traditional lobectomy in the surgical treatment of early stage non-small cell lung cancer (diameter less than 2.0 cm). Segmentectomy requires sufficient knowledge of the location of the pulmonary nodules, as well as the anatomy of the target segments, blood vessels, and bronchi. With the rapid development of imaging technology and three-dimensional technology, three-dimensional reconstruction has been widely used in the medical field. It can effectively assess the vascular branching patterns, discover the anatomic variations of the blood vessels and bronchi, determine the location of the lesion, and clarify the division of the segments. Therefore, it is helpful for preoperative positioning, surgical planning, preoperative simulation and intraoperative navigation, and provides a reference for formulating an individualized surgical plan. It therefore plays a positive role in anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy. This study reviews the progress made in three-dimensional computed tomography reconstruction in anatomic pulmonary segmentectomy.

Advances in Imaging to Aid Segmentectomy for Lung Cancer.

Pulmonary segmentectomy has become a widely accepted technique for resection of early-stage lung cancers. Intraoperative identification of small nodules within the lung parenchyma and definition of segmental anatomy are essential for oncologic segmental resection and significantly enhanced by recent advances in imaging techniques. Advances in imaging for nodule localization, using preoperative markers and three-dimensional computed tomography, delineation of segmental anatomy, and sentinel lymph node mapping have become important components of planning and performing minimally invasive anatomic segmentectomies and are particularly well suited for the evolving robotic-assisted platform.