BACKGROUNDBoonchoplasty can not only remove tumor but also reserve lung tissue maximally, and it becomes an alternative choice for patient with poor pulmonary function who could not accept pneumonectomy. The aim of this study is to summarize the experience of carinal resection and reconstruction, bronchoplasty and pulmonary arterioplasty in the treatment of central-type lung cancer.

METHODSFrom March, 1987 to March, 2005, A total of 79 patients with central-type lung cancer underwent operation. The operations included: left bronchoplasty (34 cases) combined with pulmonary arterioplasty in 10 cases and partial resection of left atrium in 3 cases; right bronchoplasty (45 cases) combined with carinal resection in 14 cases and segmentplasty in 5 cases, pulmonary arterioplasty in 5 cases, partial resection of superior vena cava wall in 5 cases.

RESULTSThere were no perioperative deaths. Twenty-eight cases (35.4%) had postoperative complication. The 1-, 3-and 5-year survival rate were 86.1%, 55.2% and 32.1% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSProper selection of carinal resection, bronchoplasty and pulmonary arterioplasty can expand the indications. They can reduce the ratio of pneumonectomy and improve the postoperative quality of life and the prognosis of lung cancer patients.