Risk Factors of Middle Lobe Torsion in Patients Who Underwent Thoracoscopic Right Upper Lobectomy

Abstract

Purpose: Lung torsion is a rare postoperative complication of pulmonary resection caused by lobe displacement. This condition leads to bronchial or pulmonary vascular kinking, which results in airway obstruction or blood flow impairment. In particular, middle lobe torsion is commonly observed after right upper lobectomy. However, the conditions under which it occurs remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for middle lobe torsion following right upper lobectomy.

Methods: From November 2012 to December 2024, 127 patients underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy at our institution. Four patients diagnosed with postoperative middle lobe torsion were classified into the torsion group. These patients were retrospectively compared with those without torsion.

Results: Simultaneous partial middle lobe resection and the number of staples used for interlobar fissure formation between the upper and middle lobes were significantly associated with lung torsion. The cutoff value for the number of staples used in the upper-middle fissure formation was 4, demonstrating fair accuracy.

Conclusions: The risk factors for middle lobe torsion after thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy were simultaneous partial resection of the middle lobe and the number of staples used for interlobar fissure formation between the upper and middle lobes.