A case of bilateral lung metastases of rectal cancer treated with open segmental resection and video-assisted lobectomy

We reported a case of bilateral lung metastases of rectal cancer simultaneously treated with open segmental resection on the right side and video-assisted lobectomy on the left side. In a 67-year-old male who had received low anterior resection of the rectum due to rectal cancer 6 years ago, chest X-ray and CT scan showed two lesions ; one in the right S2 and the other in the left S8. On pathological examination of the bronchoscopic biopsy specimen, adenocarcinoma was confirmed, but it was difficult to determine if they are metastases or primary cancers. Since both lesions were located in the center of the lobe, wedge resection was not indicated. Because we thought the usual bilobar resection would result in excessive loss of respiratory function, we chose an open segmental resection of the right S2 and video-assisted lobectomy of the left lower lobe. Post operative course was uneventful. In cases requiring bilobar resection this method may be a useful altenative that can conserve the patients' respiratory function.