Simultaneous unilateral thoracoscopic resection of bilateral pulmonary sequestration

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Congenital Malformations

Background:

• Pulmonary sequestration (PS) comprises intra-lobar (ILS) and extra-lobar lung (ELS) forms, rare congenital lung malformations.
• While typically benign, PS can lead to recurrent infections, hemoptysis, heart failure, and tumors.
• Bilateral PS is exceptionally rare and often necessitates bilateral thoracic surgery.

Observation:

• A 9-year-old child presented with bilateral lung lesions diagnosed as PS via chest CT.
• Lesions were clearly demarcated without inflammation, showing a unique connection between ILS and ELS.
• A novel technique involved pulling the left ELS into the right chest cavity for concurrent resection.

Findings:

• Successful simultaneous resection of bilateral PS via a single unilateral thoracoscopic approach.
• The patient experienced a smooth postoperative recovery without complications.
• Enhanced preoperative CT planning was crucial for surgical strategy.

Implications:

• Simultaneous unilateral thoracoscopic surgery is a viable, less invasive option for bilateral PS.
• This approach reduces recovery time and improves cosmetic outcomes.
• Highlights the importance of advanced imaging in surgical planning for rare congenital anomalies.