Intraoperative Repair of Bronchial Damage Following Robotic Segmentectomy

TL;DR

This paper describes a successful intraoperative repair of bronchial damage during robotic segmentectomy surgery.

Contribution

The novel approach involves restapling the bronchial stump using intraoperative bronchoscopy to ensure proper closure.

Findings

Restapling the proximal side of the B6 bronchus successfully repaired the defect.

Intraoperative bronchoscopy confirmed the closure of the B6 bronchus and normal patency of surrounding structures.

The use of a collagen patch reduced the risk of fistula formation.

Abstract

Herein, we reported the damage of the B6 bronchial segment following apical segmentectomy of the left lower lobe for management of a typical carcinoid tumor. The defect was localized distally to the B6 origin and was successfully repaired by re‐stapling the proximal side of the B6 bronchus. Before firing, the intraoperative bronchoscopy confirmed the closure of the B6 bronchus alone and the normal patency of the bronchial pyramid basal. Then, the bronchial stump was covered by a collagen patch to reduce the risk of fistula. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 3 days later.

During robotic surgery, restapling the bronchial stump may be easier than closing the bronchial defect using robotic needle drivers.

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