Main bronchial sleeve resection with pulmonary conservation

Cerfolio et al defines main bronchial sleeve resection as circumferential resection of either right or left main bronchus and presents the indications for main bronchial sleeve resection – localized tumor lesions, benign stenosis, bronchial localized lithiasis, posttraumatic stenosis – stating that in carefully selected patients, the procedure is safe and efficient. This article aims to present the experience of our clinic regarding 4 cases of primitive bronchial disease for which a main bronchial sleeve resection with pulmonary conservation were performed between 2005 and 2006. The reduced number of cases allows us express the opinion that in well evaluated cases – where bronchoscopic exam is essential – the main bronchial sleeve resection and full lung preservation is a procedure that can be made with excellent results for the patient. Life quality is superior to that of cases with pneumonectomy which can be a disease by itself. An adequate technique, the respect for tissues, radical oncologic approach, absorbable monofilament suture material, as well as the protection of the anastomosis with viable tissue from vicinity (pleura, pericardial fat, intercostal muscles) are followed by the best results.