It appears that the initial access is not extended lingually (L) enough (Fig.5 occlusal view).  The lingual canal is still non-negotiable when the access is enlarged (Fig.6 mirror occlusal view).  B: buccal.  The same effort is exerted for his wife.

Missing Lingual Canal

Xin Wei, DDS, PhD, MS 1st edition 11/23/2014, last revision 11/23/2014