Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic segmentectomy

Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) segmentectomy is a technically more complex procedure than uniportal VATS lobectomy, since a detailed comprehension of the segmental anatomy is required. Anatomic sublobar resection can achieve outcomes equivalent to lobectomy in selected patients with stage IA non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). In this paper we describe our clinical experiences and introduce the technical details of uniportal VATS segmentectomy, including expertise advice (“tips and tricks”) in patient selection, positioning and incisions and technical highlights of the most common types of segmentectomies. Uniportal VATS segmentectomy is a demanding technique, safe and feasible in selected patients with good results in the literature that seems to be an acceptable alternative to conventional VATS or open thoracotomy when the surgeon completed the training period and learning curve.