Surgical anatomy of the bronchial tree and pulmonary artery.

Sleeve lobectomy is an excellent procedure in the surgical management of non-small-cell lung cancer located in proximal lobal bronchi. The surgeon undertaking these procedures has, however, the responsibility of understanding the particular anatomy applicable to the technique. Good knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the tracheobronchial tree and of its blood supply is necessary to reduce the operative morbidity, whereas that of the oncological anatomy of lung cancer forms the theoretical basis for the operation and improves the potential for better long-term results.