BACKGROUND: Anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung is a rare anomaly. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of thoracoscopic surgery for this anomaly. METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung between October 2007 and September 2012 at our institution. RESULTS: Four patients (mean age 37.5 years; range, 22 to 54) underwent thoracoscopic surgery for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung. The mean diameter of the anomalous arteries was 14 mm (range, 10 to 16 mm). Two patients underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy, 1 of whom had a complicated anomaly that necessitated conversion to thoracotomy. The other 2 patients underwent thoracoscopic lower lobectomy of the left lung. One of them had an aneurysm in the anomalous artery; therefore, endovascular devices were kept on standby in case massive hemorrhage occurred. The anomalous arteries were divided uneventfully using a vascular stapler in all patients. No patient had severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic surgery for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung is feasible, safe, and minimally invasive, with confirmed effectiveness in typical cases.
BACKGROUND: Anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung is a rare anomaly. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of thoracoscopic surgery for this anomaly. METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung between October 2007 and September 2012 at our institution. RESULTS: Four patients (mean age 37.5 years; range, 22 to 54) underwent thoracoscopic surgery for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung. The mean diameter of the anomalous arteries was 14 mm (range, 10 to 16 mm). Two patients underwent thoracoscopic segmentectomy, 1 of whom had a complicated anomaly that necessitated conversion to thoracotomy. The other 2 patients underwent thoracoscopic lower lobectomy of the left lung. One of them had an aneurysm in the anomalous artery; therefore, endovascular devices were kept on standby in case massive hemorrhage occurred. The anomalous arteries were divided uneventfully using a vascular stapler in all patients. No patient had severe postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracoscopic surgery for anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segments of the lung is feasible, safe, and minimally invasive, with confirmed effectiveness in typical cases.