Compromised video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection for high-risk patients with stage I lung cancer near the lung hilum.

We performed a video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection without doing a mini-thoracotomy in two patients (one octogenarian and one with poor lung function) with early stage (T1-2N0) lung cancer located at the lung hilum who required preservation of their cardiopulmonary function. After 2 years of follow-up, both patients are alive without recurrence. We describe the cases and the method used for the video-assisted thoracoscopic segmental resection using an endoscopic stapler.