BACKGROUNDThe extent of pulmonary resection is decided by the location and extent of the tumor and the patient's physiologic ability to tolerate resection. Bronchoplastic and pulmonary arterioplastic procedures have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to pneumonectomy. In this article our experience with arterioplastic and bronchoplastic procedures in the treatment of central-type bronchogenic carcinoma was reviewed.

METHODSFrom October 1999 to October 2005, 12 pulmonary arterioplasties and 14 combined broncho-angioplasties were performed for bronchogenic carcinoma and meanwhile two replacement of vena cava were done.

RESULTSOf the 26 patients, 18 were in stage II and 8 were in stage III. No fatal surgical complications occured. Atelectasis occurred in 2 patients (7.7%), postoperative pneumonitis in 2 (7.7%), and reperfusion lung injury in one (3.8%). The 1-and 3-year survival rates for the entire group were 100.0% and 69.2% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSPulmonary arterioplastic and broncho-angioplastic procedures can be performed safely. Angioplastic and combined broncho-angioplastic procedures offer patients with bronchogenic carcinoma similar a long-term result as radical lung resection, especially in patients who cannot tolerate pneumonectomy due to poor cardiopulmonary reserve.