Fissureless technique of robotic left lingular segmentectomy for primary lung cancer with incomplete fissure: a case report

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary segmentectomy for a lung with an incomplete interlobar fissure may complicate persistent air leakage. The fissureless technique is often used in lobectomy to prevent persistent air leakage. We herein describe successful use of the fissureless technique for segmentectomy with the aid of a robotic surgical system. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old man was clinically diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer for which lingular segmentectomy was indicated. A preoperative image revealed a lung with an incomplete fissure. Based on three-dimensional reconstruction imaging, we planned to divide the hilum structures in the order of the pulmonary vein, bronchus, and pulmonary artery and finally resect the lung parenchyma by dividing the intersegmental plane and interlobar fissure. This fissureless technique was successfully conducted using a robotic surgical system. The patient did not develop persistent air leakage and was alive without recurrence 1 year after segmentectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The fissureless technique may be a useful option in segmentectomy for a lung with an incomplete interlobar fissure. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-023-02211-7.