Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic fissureless right upper lobe anterior segmentectomy for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: A case report

BACKGROUND Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are exceptionally rare neoplasms with intermediate malignant potential. Surgery is the accepted treatment option, aiming for complete resection with clear margins. CASE SUMMARY A 39-year-old woman presented with a growing solitary pulmonary nodule measuring 2.0 cm in the right upper lobe (RUL) of the lung. The patient under-went a RUL anterior segmentectomy using uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopy. A preliminary tissue diagnosis indicated malignancy; however, it was later revised to an IMTs. Due to the absence of a minor fissure between the right upper and middle lobes, an alternative resection approach was necessary. Therefore, we utilized indocyanine green injection to aid in delineating the intersegmental plane. Following an uneventful recovery, the patient was discharged on the third postoperative day. Thereafter, annual chest tomography scans were scheduled to monitor for potential local recurrence. CONCLUSION This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing IMTs, showing the importance of accurate pathologic assessments and tailored surgical strategies.