Comparative analysis and outcomes of sleeve resection versus pneumonectomy.

To compare the outcome of sleeve resection or complex sleeve resection versus (Vs) pneumonectomy for lung cancer in a single unit. Between 1998 and 2006, 664 lung resections were carried out. There were 129 (19.4%) pneumonectomies and 79 (11.9%) sleeve resections; Twenty one patients (26.5%) underwent a complex sleeve resection. Operative mortality for the sleeve resections (SR) was 2.5% and for the pneumonectomies 8.53%. Overall 5-year survival after SR was 46.8% and after pneumonectomy 37.1%. The survival curves for the 2 procedures after adjusting for risk factors are different. The area under the curve is higher for the SR (Hazard ratio 1.78 C.I.: 0.92-3.46). The 5-year survival for early stages favors SR. The survival for the complex SR was not influenced by the complexity of the procedure but from the TNM stage of each individual case. Multivariate analysis of risk factors affecting survival after surgery showed: male sex Hazard ratio (HR) 1.19, 0.63-2.27(95%CI), Age >63 1.38(HR), 0.78-2.48, Pneumonectomy 1.78(HR), 0.92-3.46 and stage III 4.44(HR), 1.94-10.16(95% CI). For comparative stages survival appears to be better after sleeves, moreover male sex, sleeve resection, age younger that 63 and early TNM stage are positive predictors for survival.