[Operation for preservation of lung function in lung cancer cases--study on bronchoplasty]

In the period between 1962 and 1989, there were 2,279 resected cases of primary lung cancer, out of which 134 cases (21 cases in stage I; 29 cases in stage II; 66 cases in stage IIIA; 9 cases in stage IIIB; 9 cases in stage IV) underwent bronchoplasty excluding carinal resection. Survival rate was 38.2% in these cases including one operative death. Five year survival rate was significantly better than 22.5% in 453 cases which underwent pneumonectomy. To preserve pulmonary function, enhance curability and extend scope of operative indication, bronchoplasty is a safe and valuable procedure for selected cases of squamous carcinoma and low-grade malignancy.