3D CT scan for perioperative identification of anatomical variations of lungs.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to investigate anatomical lung variations and vascular patterns using volumetric 3D computed tomography (CT) representations.


RESULTS
We considered 24 major thoracic surgery performed in our ward. In these, we discovered some interesting anatomical variations of the main pulmonary fissures. These findings were not visible on the plain x-ray or during routine examination of a preoperative CT scan. After re-examination of 3D CT scan reconstruction the anatomical variations were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
General thoracic surgeons must familiarize themselves with anatomical variations in lungs. 3D images may aid the general thoracic surgeon in performing safer surgeries.


CONCLUSIONS
3D CT scan should be performed before surgery if possible.
IBFM-CNR, DIBIMED, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Anna
A
Galluzzo
Thoracic Surgery Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Federica
F
Fatica
Thoracic Surgery Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Filippo
F
Caternicchia
Thoracic Surgery Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Girolamo
G
Geraci
University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Giovanna
G
Mancuso
Thoracic Surgery Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Francesco
F
Raffaele
Radiology Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Claudio
C
Genova
Thoracic Surgery Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Gerlando
G
Cocchiara
University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Massimo
M
Midiri
Thoracic Surgery Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Massimo
M
Cajozzo
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D059035:Perioperative Period; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000379:methods; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
CT reconstruction; anatomic variations; lung surgery