Resection of superior sulcus tumors (posterior approach)

Tumors of the superior sulcus are an uncommon form of NSCLC and historically have been associated with high rates of incomplete resection, local recurrence, and death. Recent data from a multi-institutional study suggest that preoperative chemoradiation may improve the rates of complete resection and cure. Involvement of the vertebral body or brachial plexus, areas once considered unresectable, is amenable to advanced techniques of spinal reconstruction and may lead to long-term survival in selected patients.