Sleeve lobectomy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: a simplified approach

Pulmonary parenchyma-saving procedures, indicated for central tumours, seem to have better results than pneumonectomy, an alternative procedure. The purpose of this study is to report our experience at our institution with sleeve lobectomy with regard to surgical technique and outcome.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 45 patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer, with a curative intent, during the period of January 2004 and January 2008. Four of these patients underwent bronchovascular reconstructive procedures. A minor modification of the running suture technique used for bronchoplasties is described here.

The study identified 40 men and five women with a median age of 64 years (range: 24-80 years). All 45 patients underwent oncological resections with negative results for malignancy bronchial resection margins. Neither bronchial nor vascular complications occurred. Complications were observed in 15% of our patients and included prolonged air leak in three, atelectasis needing daily bronchoscopy in three and respiratory failure due to pneumonia in one patient, who eventually died, accounting for a mortality rate of 2%. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 52 months, with a median of 26 months, and it was complete for 43 (96%) of the patients. The overall 4-year survival was 57%.

Sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer, although technically demanding, is associated with low morbidity and mortality and satisfactory immediate and long-term results. With increasing experience, more lung-sparing procedures should be performed in selected patients.