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VATS for congenital lobar emphysema: a case report
F Granato1, L Voltolini, D Spina
1Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy. felicegranato@yahoo.it
Minerva Chirurgica
|February 10, 2009
Summary
Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is rare, but this case highlights adult onset in a 21-year-old man. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) enabled a successful parenchymal-sparing resection for this unusual presentation.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Congenital lobar emphysema (CLE) is a rare condition characterized by pulmonary lobe overinflation.
- Adult onset of CLE is uncommon, typically presenting with subtle symptoms.
Observation:
- A 21-year-old non-smoking male presented with recurrent pneumothorax.
- Diagnostic findings included right upper lobe segmental emphysema, bronchial agenesia, and reduced lung perfusion/ventilation.
Findings:
- A 3-portal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) approach was utilized for precise resection.
- The procedure resulted in the first reported endoscopic, parenchymal-sparing resection for CLE.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of clinical awareness for early diagnosis of adult-onset CLE.
- VATS offers an advantageous approach for effective surgical treatment and favorable outcomes in CLE.
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