Carinal Resection and Reconstruction for Primary Carinal Tumors——Report of 9 Cases

From Oct. 1989 to Dec. 1998, 9 patients aged 12–67 years underwent carinal resection and reconstruction through right or left intercostal space thoracotomy. No important postoperative complications occurred and there were no perioperative deaths. Leiomyoma, neurofibroma, carcinoid and squamous cell carcinoma was found in one patient respectively, adenocarcinoma in 2 patients, adenoid cystic carcinoma in 3 patients. The actuarial 3-year survival rate for patients with malignant tumors was 42. 9%. In order to diagnose early and correctly, bronchoscopy and computed tomography should be used. The end-to-end anastomosis of trachea with bilateral bronchi is the optimal choice among the modes of carinal reconstruction. Some principles of surgery and perioperative care are discussed.