Two-port intrapericardial left VATS pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy is a surgical treatment for locally advanced lung tumors that deeply infiltrate into the pulmonary hilum, and is a major thoracic procedure. An intrapericardial approach may be necessary in cases where it is  impossible to safely deal with the extrapericardial non-invaded sections of the pulmonary vessels. This article describes our technique for intrapericardial left video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy in a patient with hilar squamous cell carcinoma. The procedure was performed through a two-incision approach and, because of the involvement of the proximal portion of the pulmonary vessels, an intrapericardial isolation and closure of these structures was performed. Radical lymphadenectomy was performed and a pericardial flap was used for coverage of the bronchial stump. This is a complex and challenging procedure, however the patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged on the 7th postoperative day.