Video-assisted thoracoscopic subsegmentectomy for small-sized pulmonary nodules

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Segmentectomy is a common limited resection for small lung nodules.
• Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a preferred minimally invasive approach.
• Subsegmentectomy, a more limited resection than segmentectomy, presents technical challenges due to complex pulmonary anatomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe recent techniques and the role of VATS subsegmentectomy.
• To present clinical data and prospects for VATS subsegmentectomy.
• To highlight the utility of 3D CT simulation and the inflation-deflation technique in VATS subsegmentectomy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D computed tomography (CT) simulation for surgical planning.
• Employed the inflation-deflation technique to create the intersubsegmental line.
• Performed VATS subsegmentectomies for small lung tumors.

Main Results:

• Successfully and accurately performed VATS subsegmentectomies.
• Demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the described techniques.
• Provided clinical data supporting the feasibility of the procedure.

Conclusions:

• VATS subsegmentectomy is a safe and accurate procedure for small lung tumors.
• 3D CT simulation and the inflation-deflation technique are valuable tools for VATS subsegmentectomy.
• VATS subsegmentectomy holds promise as a minimally invasive surgical option.