[Sleeve lobectomy: perioperative risks and functional results]

Abstract

Sleeve lobectomy is an established surgical procedure in patients with lung cancer. Usually the only surgical alternative would be a pneumonectomy. This article describes the perioperative risks and functional results in patients after sleeve lobectomy compared to pneumonectomy and typical lobectomy.There were only minor differences with respect to postoperative morbidity comparing the different procedures but the mortality rate was higher following pneumonectomy. Bronchopleural fistula rates were also similar comparing lobectomy and sleeve lobectomy but elevated following pneumonectomy. Bronchovascular fistulas after sleeve lobectomy are potentially life-threatening. Postoperative pulmonary function tests showed similar values for lobectomy and sleeve lobectomy patients and were considerably better than following pneumonectomy.Whenever possible sleeve lobectomy should take preference over pneumonectomy.