Accessory right V(6) behind the bronchus intermedius during VATS right upper lobectomy

INTRODUCTION: The anatomical abnormalities in pulmonary veins can have a serious impact on pulmonary resections. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a 70-year-old woman undergoing VATS right upper lobectomy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. During subcarinal dissection, an anomalous vein draining from the superior segment of the right lower lobe into the left atrium and passing behind the bronchus intermedius was incidentally discovered. The patient had, in addition to the inferior pulmonary vein formed by the confluence of superior and common basal veins, a supernumerary vessel identified as: accessory right V(6). Retrospective review of preoperative enhanced chest computed tomography confirmed the pulmonary vascular anomaly. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: A careful dissection during pulmonary resections can help to recognize variations of the pulmonary veins, avoiding unexpected intraoperative complications.