Simple method for distinguishing the intersegmental plane in thoracoscopic lung segmentectomy.

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Pulmonary Anatomy
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Accurate delineation of intersegmental planes is crucial for safe and effective pulmonary segmentectomy.
• Existing methods for identifying intersegmental borders can be time-consuming or require specialized equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a simple, reproducible, and widely applicable method for delineating the intersegmental border during thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy.

Main Methods:

• A modified targeted bronchus inflation technique was developed.
• This method utilizes readily available resources and does not require special reagents or equipment.
• The technique allows for clear visualization of the intersegmental plane by differentiating inflated and deflated lung parenchyma.

Main Results:

• The introduced method provides clear and accurate demarcation lines between lung segments.
• It is less time-consuming and fault-tolerant compared to conventional techniques.
• The procedure is easily reproducible and suitable for wide application.

Conclusions:

• This modified targeted bronchus inflation method offers an effective and simple approach for identifying the intersegmental plane in thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy.
• The technique's ease of use and reproducibility make it a valuable tool for popularization in thoracic surgery.