Sleeve lobectomy: an alternative to pneumonectomy in the treatment of bronchial carcinoma.

In a 20-year period between 1960 and 1979, 3,438 resections were done for primary cancer of the lung, the standard operation being either lobectomy or pneumonectomy in more than 90% of the cases. In 261 cases (7.4%) sleeve lobectomy was performed as an alternative to pneumonectomy in order to conserve pulmonary function as far as possible, provided the operation assured as equally radical a removal of the tumor as pneumonectomy. Long-term results could be evaluated for 113 cases operated before 1974. Fifty-seven (50%) were alive at least 5 years after operation, the follow-up being 100%. The postoperative mortality was 7.3% (19 cases). Indications for sleeve resection as well as some aspects of anesthesia and surgical technique are discussed.