Objective: To review the experience in surgical treatment for tumors of trachea, carina and main bronchus.
Methods: From Jan. 1996 to Jun. 2004, 27 patients with tumor of trachea, carina or main bronchus underwent surgery including resection and reconstruction of trachea in 8, right/left pneumonectomy and carinal resection and reconstruction in 9 (6/3), right sleeve upper lobectomy and carnial resection with reconstruction of trachea and carina in 2, carina resection and reconstruction in 3, tumor removal through tracheal windows in 5. CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) was used in 2 patients during surgery.
Results: There were 3 peri-operative deaths caused by acute respiratory failure in 2 and severe postoperative bleeding in 1 case. After follow-up of more than 6 months, no death or post-operative complication occurred.
Conclusion: Resection and reconstruction for patients with tumor of trachea, main bronchus or carina can be performed with excellent results using effective surgical and anaesthetic methods with or without CPB assistance.