Thoracoscopic bronchovascular double sleeve lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer

We present our preliminary experience of thoracoscopic bronchovascular double sleeve lobectomy (SL) for non-small-cell lung cancer in the upper lobe involving both the bronchus and the pulmonary artery. From May 2012 to July 2013, 4 patients were selected for this operation, including 3 cases of left upper lobectomy and 1 case of right upper lobectomy. Surgical procedures were performed with four ports for the first patient and three ports for the other patients. Systemic lymph node dissection was finished before removal of the diseased lobe. Thoracoscopic bronchovascular reconstruction was carried out using running Prolene stitches by directly watching a video monitor. The operations were uneventful. Two patients developed postoperative pneumonia with no mortalities. The reconstructed bronchus and artery worked well during postoperative follow-up visits. Though technically difficult, we believe that thoracoscopic bronchovascular SL is feasible if performed by skilled thoracoscopic surgeons in an experienced centre.