Fourteen studies (n=2,790) were included in the review: one randomised controlled trial (n=247), one matched pairs study (n=32) and 12 retrospective studies (n=2,511).
Limited resection was performed in 903 patients, while standard lobectomy was performed in 1,887 patients.
There was no significant difference between lobectomy and limited resection in survival at 1 year (0.7%, 95% CI: -0.8, 2.1, P=0.3659), 3 years (1.9%, 95% CI: -3.7, 7.4, P=0.5088) or 5 years (3.6%, 95% CI: -0.4, 10.5, P=0.3603).
Significant heterogeneity was found for the meta-analyses of survival at 3 and 5 years (P=0.0026 and P=0.0004, respectively).
There was no evidence of publication bias at 1, 3 or 5 years (P>0.1 for all).