Figure 7

Before starting to dissect the interlobar structure, the fissure must be separated. In this case, we used a hook-shaped electrical cautery combined with blunt dissection with a peanut sponge to open the fissure(7A). After exposing the hilar vascular branches, a right angle clamp was used to loop the branch(7B) and then a silk tie was placed in order to exert traction the small branch(7C). With gentle traction of the branch, the stapler can be safely placed so as to separate the vessels. Surgeons have to make sure of the appropriateness of the relative position of the vessels and the stapler to allow a safe procedure(7D).