Lobectomy for Lung Cancer With Congenital Pericardial Defect

A congenital complete pericardial defect is a rare and often asymptomatic condition that may be diagnosed intraoperatively. While performing lung lobectomy in patients with this condition, surgeons must exercise more caution than with standard lobectomies. Additional points of consideration include the use of surgical instruments to ensure a clear operative field, vascular treatment for pulmonary veins, confirmation of the phrenic nerve location, and determination of the need to repair the pericardial defect. This report describes a rare case of a complete left pericardial defect that was detected in a man with lung cancer during left upper lobectomy.