Final answer:
Pneumonectomy, segmental resection, and wedge resection are surgical methods to treat lung diseases where an entire lung, one or more bronchopulmonary segments, or a small wedge-shaped portion of the lung is removed, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differences Between Pneumonectomy, Segmental Resection, and Wedge Resection
The procedures of pneumonectomy, segmental resection, and wedge resection are all surgical interventions used to treat certain lung conditions, such as lung cancer. A pneumonectomy is a major surgery wherein an entire lung (either the right or left) is removed. This tends to be necessary when the disease involves a large portion of the lung, making more conservative surgery unfeasible.
A segmental resection, also known as a segmentectomy, involves the removal of one or more bronchopulmonary segments. Each bronchopulmonary segment is supplied by its own artery and bronchus, allowing for the removal of the diseased portion of the lung with less impact on the rest of the lung's function.
Finally, a wedge resection is the least invasive of these procedures and involves removing a small, wedge-shaped portion of the lung. This is often utilized when the disease is confined to a very small area and is easily accessible. The intervention is considered when the overall function of the lung must be preserved as much as possible.