Pulmonary metastasectomy is a common practice among thoracic surgeons, accounting for approximately 15% of all lung resections. While it is widely believed that pulmonary metastasectomy from a primary tumor elsewhere improves survival in selected patients, evidence for the additional benefit provided by surgery remains weak.

For patients with untreated metastatic disease, the five-year survival rate is less than 5–10%. Pulmonary metastasectomy often represents the best hope for treatment in cases of isolated metastatic disease to the lungs. It is a safe and effective treatment that offers potential recovery for selected patients. Regardless of the primary tumor, achieving complete resection is the key to improving survival. Low morbidity and mortality rates justify the aggressive surgical approach in the absence of effective systemic oncologic treatments. Thoracoscopic resection is a valid option for selected patients with a small number of peripherally located metastases. In cases of recurrent pulmonary disease, surgery should be repeated if the patient continues to meet the initial criteria for pulmonary metastasectomy. Postoperative aggressive follow-up is mandatory. Patients should be treated in close collaboration between medical oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, and thoracic surgeons. Keywords : pulmonary metastasectomy, surgical resection, disease-free interval, thoracoscopic surgery, survival outcomes, thoracic oncology