Authors
K Ang3; J P Li3; W Wang3; L Jiang3; W Q Yin3; J Liu3; W L Shao3; H Z Chen3; W J Jiao1; M Q Kang2; J X He3;
1 Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, China; 2 Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, China; 3 National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, China
Objective
Though video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been widely applied to both peripheral and central lung cancer in many centres, there is great hesitation to adopt it for carina and/or tracheal surgery. The aim of this study is to review the feasibility of VATS in the treatment of benign and malignant diseases involving the carina and/or trachea.
Methods
Between May 2012 and July 2015, patients undergoing VATS carina and/or tracheal surgery in three centres from China were included. Patients’ clinical characteristics, operative details, and postoperative course were analysed.
Results
12 VATS were performed: right main bronchus resection and partial carinal reconstruction (3 cases); tracheal resection and reconstruction (4); tracheal resection and carinal reconstruction (1); right main bronchus resection and carinal reconstruction (2); right pneumonectomy and carinal reconstruction (1); and left main bronchus resection and carinal reconstruction (1). All patients had complete resection with no major post-op complications/mortality. Mean operative time was 224±78mins and post-op stay was 12.5±2.5days.
Conclusion
VATS resection and reconstruction of the carina or trachea is feasible. We believe, with the accumulation of VATS experience, these procedures can be performed safely and eventually be adopted as a routine approach in tracheal surgery.
