[Isolated bronchial resection for tumor]

Tumors that are confined to specific areas of the airway (e.g. left main stem bronchus or the bronchus intermedius) can be removed with resections of the bronchus only and preservation of the parenchyma. During the period of January 2004 to February 2009 five patients underwent isolated bronchial resection for lung tumor with curative intent. In this study we analyzed the data of five men with a median age of 47.6 years (range 29–68 years). In four cases resection of the intermediate bronchus was performed, and in one case left main bronchus was removed. Intraoperative frozen section revealed negative bronchial resection margins in all cases. Four patients had carcinoid tumors, while one was diagnosed with chemodectoma. Minor postoperative complications were observed in two patients only. Isolated bronchial resection for lung tumor is associated with low morbidity and mortality. Lung sparing procedures are preferable in the above cases but sufficient experience and conditions are mandatory to achieve adequate results.