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.

BACKGROUNDTo summarize the surgical treatment for locally advanced lung cancer invading heart and great vessels.

METHODSOne hundred and eighteen cases of lung cancer accepting cardiovascular plasty operation from 1980 to 2001 were reviewed.

RESULTSThe operations included partial resection of left atrium in 38 cases, pulmonary artery resection and restruction in 48 cases, replacement or partial resection of superior vena cava in 25 cases, partial resection of pulmonary conus in 3 cases, and lober replantation in 4 cases respectively. There was no perioperative death, and the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10 year survival rate was 72.68%, 55.20%, 28.62% and 20.36% respectively.

CONCLUSIONSCardiovascular plasty in the surgical treatment of locally advanced lung cancer invading heart or great vessels can remarkably increase the long-term survival and improve the life quality of the patients.