Left lower lobe

Abstract

The left lower lobectomy is usually the most straightforward endoscopic lobectomy. However, when the fissure is fused, identification of the pulmonary artery can be tedious. The technique described herewith is performed by controlling the fissure and the arteries first. In some cases, it can be preferable to start by the division of the inferior pulmonary vein, which gives access to the bronchus and the pulmonary artery. When the procedure is done for lung carcinoma, lymph node dissection of station 7 can be difficult because the venous and bronchial stumps can hamper the approach to the subcarinal region (see page 25). It may be preferable performing the lymphadenectomy before the lobectomy.