Lung segmentectomy assisted by highly selective independent segmental ventilation: a series of three cases

BACKGROUND: The identification of targeted intersegmental planes and resection with adequate surgical margins are among the crucial steps in anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy, and technical improvements are still needed. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported three cases of intersegmental plane identification using highly selective independent segmental ventilation during segmentectomy. All cases required cooperation with an anesthesiologist who was able to perform segmental ventilation and double confirmation of segmental bronchus branches by the surgeon. The surgical procedure provides a direct visualization of spare segment inflation and saves time in deflation over the conventional residual segment inflation method. CONCLUSIONS: Highly selective independent segmental ventilation could be considered a suitable option for pulmonary intersegmental plane identification and could be universally used for lung segmentectomy.