Tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy for carcinomas of the proximal left main bronchus

Although most primary cancers of the left main bronchus extending to the carina are inoperable, some patients with such a tumour may benefit from an extended, curative surgical procedure. This type of resection presents specific problems in reconstruction and physiologic management during operation. Between 1977 and 1983, five such patients were managed by left pneumonectomy followed by resection of the carina. They ranged in age from 49 to 65 years. None were irradiated before the procedure. In all cases, an end-to-end anastomosis was made between the right main bronchus and the mediastinal trachea. The high-flow catheter technique was used for ventilation during reconstruction. There were no operative deaths. Excessive bronchorrhea was noted in all patients and was aggravated by left recurrent nerve palsy in two. This report indicates that modern techniques of tracheobronchial reconstruction can be successfully applied in patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the proximal left main bronchus. This type of resection may be the treatment of choice in selected cases.