BACKGROUNDCarinal resection and reconstruction is an emphasis in surgical treatment of carinal tumor and bronchogenic carcinoma involving carina. The aim of this study is to discuss the clinical value of carinoplasty in lung cancer surgery.

METHODSFrom 1982 to 2004, 41 cases of central bronchogenic carcinoma that invaded the carina accepted carinal resection and reconstruction in this hospital. Of the 41 patients, 25 patients underwent simutaneously additional cardiovascular plasty operation besides carinoplasty. There were 12 different types of carinal resection and reconstruction in this series.

RESULTSThere was 1 perioperative death (because of anastomotic leakage) in this group. Arrhythmia occured in 12 patients, atelectasis in 6 patient and pneumonia in 5 patients. Five patients were assisted ventilation through breathing machine because of pulmonary function failure. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 76.21%, 47.23% and 26.83% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSThe carinoplasty is a good method to treat central bronchogenic carcinoma which invaded the carina. With this method lung cancer tissue can be resected maximally, meanwhile, it can save pulmonary function of patient maximally. Postoperative multi-modality therapy is helpful to increase postoperative survival rate and improve quality of life.