Video-assisted thoracoscopic right upper lobe sleeve lobectomy combined with carinal resection and reconstruction

Carinal resection and reconstruction in surgical treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma invading the carina still remains a challenge for thoracic surgeons because of technical difficulties and perioperative complications. Nevertheless, sleeve lobectomy is less damaging to the lung function and thus reduces operative mortality and improves the quality of life. With the development of video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS), locally advanced lung cancer, even with carina and/or distal trachea involvement, has been adapted for thoracoscopic lung resection and has obtained worldwide acceptance (1-7). This report describes a minimally invasive technique for VATS right upper lobe sleeve lobectomy combined with carinal resection and reconstruction