Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Resection for Destroyed Lung

Abstract

Advances in surgical techniques have indicated that video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy is a safe alternative to open pneumonectomy. However, indications for video-assisted thoracoscopic pneumonectomy are controversial. We describe two patients who underwent left pneumonectomy because of destroyed lungs and speculated about the tight adhesions, enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged bronchial vessels, and access incisions. Two patients were operated by two different approaches mainly; anterior and posterior, because of the degree of contralateral lung herniation. Both of them experienced a safe perioperative period. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012;94:632-4) (c) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons