Tracheal and carinal resection and reconstruction in the treatment of lung cancer

Background and objective Tracheal and carinal resection and reconstruction is an important way in treatment of lung cancer invading trachea and carina. The aim of this study is to summarize the method and effect of tracheal and carinal resection and reconstruction in treatment of lung cancer. Methods Seventy-three patients with lung cancer who underwent tracheal and carinal resection and reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. There were 22 cases for right pneumonectomy and carinal resection, 14 cases for right pneumonectomy and tracheobronchoplastic procedure, 12 cases for right sleeve pneumonectomy, 15 cases for tracheobronchoplastic procedure plus right upper lobectomy, 2 cases for left sleeve pneumonectomy and 8 cases for left pneumonectomy and tracheobronchoplastic procedure. Results Four cases received palliative operation. Four patients （5.48%） died in the perioperative period. The 1-, 3-and 5-year survival rate was 75.3%, 63.0% and 23.3% respectively. Conclusion Careful preoperative assessment, skillful operation and appropriate postoperative treatment are helpful to improve the outcome of tracheal and carinal resection and reconstruction for lung cancer. DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2006.01.04