In simple words: This procedure involves using a small camera and instruments inserted through small cuts in the chest to remove a section of one lung. This allows the surgeon to see inside the chest and remove the diseased part of the lung while minimizing the impact on the rest of the lung.

This code describes a surgical procedure involving thoracoscopy (visualization of the chest cavity using an endoscope) combined with the removal of a single segment of the lung (segmentectomy).This is typically performed for small, localized lung cancers or other lesions where preservation of lung tissue is desirable. It involves inserting a thoracoscope and surgical instruments through small incisions in the chest, dissecting and dividing the segmental bronchus, artery, and vein, and then removing the targeted lung segment.

Example 1: A patient with a small, stage I lung cancer located in a single segment of the lung undergoes a VATS segmentectomy to remove the tumor while preserving the remaining lung tissue., A patient with a benign lung tumor confined to a single segment undergoes a VATS segmentectomy to remove the mass and prevent complications., A patient with a localized fungal infection in one lung segment undergoes a VATS segmentectomy to remove the infected tissue.

Documentation should include the operative report detailing the thoracoscopic approach, the specific lung segment removed, intraoperative findings (including any complications), and postoperative status. Pathology reports confirming the diagnosis and margin status are also essential. Preoperative imaging studies (CT scan, PET scan) should be documented to justify the medical necessity of the procedure.