Carinal Resection and Reconstruction

Abstract

Tumors involving the main carina pose a considerable challenge to thoracic surgeons. On one hand, radical resection needs to be pursued; on the other, tension-free anastomoses are of great importance to ensure primary healing. Compromised healing of anastomoses is the predominant cause of morbidity and mortality. Various techniques for resection and reconstruction have been described; however, only a few institutions report a sufficient number of cases to provide reliable data concerning morbidity and mortality. The first publications with high case numbers go back to Grillo (1982) and Dartevelle et al. (1988). The mortality for tracheobronchoplastic surgery for lung cancer was reported to range from 10 % to almost 30 %.