The role of limited resection in carcinoma of the lung.

Thirty years ago lobectomy was considered inadequate excision for carcinoma of the lung. In 1982 we are at the same point in comparing lobectomy with lesser resections. Limited pulmonary reserve and second carcinomas, as well as evidence of control by wedge and segmental resection, indicate that the need for lobectomy should be reappraised in carcinomas limited to smaller portions of the lungs.