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Updated: May 13, 2026
Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
"Near total" pneumonectomy: Is it feasible?
George E Philippakis1, Marios Moustardas
1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, General Hospital of Chania, Chania, Greece; Private Sector, Athens, Greece.
Introduction:
There are various procedures for treating lung cancer. Segmentectomy, wedge excision, lobectomy (including bilobectomy) and pneumonectomy are the operations used to resect malignant lung tumors. We describe an operation of near total pneumonectomy for the first time in the literature.
Presentation Of Case:
A 55 year old man with borderline respiratory function was subjected to a right upper and middle lobectomy and stapled excision of the superior segment of the right lower lobe for a right upper lobe mass invading the major fissure.
Discussion:
When operating on patients with borderline respiratory function one should always consider conservation of as much lung tissue as possible without compromising cancer clearance.
Conclusion:
From the case we present, it is obvious that the remaining lung basilar segments, combined with creation of an apical pleural tent, may well function properly and add benefit to the respiratory function of such compromised patients. We believe that this operation of near total pneumonectomy may have a role in lung cancer surgery.
