Inadvertently transected left superior pulmonary vein during thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy

Abstract

Background: There are several anatomical variations of the pulmonary vein which can cause serious complications in pulmonary lobectomy. Case presentation: We inadvertently divided the left superior pulmonary vein during thoracoscopic left lower lobectomy in a lung cancer patient. Retrospective review of the preoperative computed tomography showed extra-pericardial common trunk of the left pulmonary venous system. Left superior pulmonary vein was reimplanted into stump of divided common trunk via thoracotomy. Conclusions: Awareness of vascular anomalies will help thoracic surgeons to prevent potential morbidity and mortality from complications.