A wedge resection entails what surgical action?

A wedge resection specifically involves the surgical removal of a wedge-shaped portion of lung tissue. This technique is typically utilized to excise localized tumors or abnormal tissue while preserving as much surrounding healthy lung as possible. The resection is termed "wedge" because the shape of the excised tissue resembles a triangular wedge, which allows for targeted removal without necessitating larger sections of lung being taken out.

This approach is particularly valuable in lung surgery as it minimizes the impact on lung function by retaining more healthy lung tissue. For example, a wedge resection may be used in cases of early-stage lung cancer or to remove lung nodules.

In contrast, other surgical options involve more extensive lung removal, such as lobectomy (complete removal of a lung lobe) or pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung), both of which significantly affect lung capacity and function.