A novel lung autotransplantation technique for treating central lung cancer: a case report

Lung autotransplantation is an alternative technique in treating central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for patients who are not suitable to undergo pneumonectomy. We hereby report a novel lung autotransplantation technique for treating central lung cancer. Two cases of central NSCLC involving right main bronchus underwent right basal segment and right lower lobe autotransplantation after resection. The inferior pulmonary vein of graft was anastomosed to superior pulmonary venous stump in both cases to reduce the bronchial and pulmonary arterial gap created after extensive resection. One case had anastomosis of basal segment artery to the right upper lobe anterior segment artery stump while the other case had pulmonary artery angioplasty only without segmental arterial resection. Both procedures were performed in situ without graft perfusion. The airway reconstructions were completed using parachute principle via end-to-side anastomosis of graft bronchus and lateral wall of trachea instead of end-to-end anastomosis with main bronchial stump. Both patients received ICU care postoperatively for 4 days. Chest tubes were successfully removed within 7 days. They were discharged within 11 days postoperatively. No major complication, such as severe infection, anastomotic dehiscence, anastomotic stenosis, atelectasis, or pulmonary embolism was observed. There was no evidence of recurrence at 9-month follow-up.