Partial sleeve right pneumonectomy with carinal flap closure

We describe a technique used in 2 patients for resection of carcinoid tumor arising from the right main bronchus and extending along the lateral wall of the lower trachea. A flap was mobilized from the non-involved membranous posterior wall of the right main bronchus, which was left attached to the carina. This was used to close the defect in the lower trachea. Both patients did well after surgery and were followed-up for 10 to 17 years with no evidence of recurrence.     

Kergin pneumonectomy: a rare procedure

We have evaluated our cases of "Kergin" pneumonectomy in which a bronchial flap of the medial part of the right main stem bronchus was created during right pneumonectomy and was turned upward to cover the lateral airway defect at the level of the carina. Five male patients with a mean age of 53.6 underwent "Kergin" pneumonectomy due to nonsmall cell carcinoma arising from right upper lobe entrance, which does not allow a classical pneumonectomy. Postoperative pathology stagings were stage IIB in 1 patient and stage IIIA in 4 patients. Any operative mortality or short-term complication was not observed. Two of the patients died in the second year of follow-up. "Kergin" pneumonectomy is a rarely performed procedure with acceptable morbidity and mortality and good lung cancer resection. Actually, our current report of five cases will be one of the largest series of "Kergin" pneumonectomy.     

A completion sleeve bilobectomy for nonstump postlobectomy bronchopleural fistula

We present a novel approach for treatment of nonstump postlobectomy bronchial fistula. Our patient had right lower lobectomy for T3 N2 M0 adenocarcinoma. An increased air leak developed 8 days later, and bronchoscopy revealed the presence of a bronchial fistula. On reexploration, the bronchial stump was intact, and the membranous part of the bronchus intermedius was sloughed up to the opening of the upper lobe bronchus. A middle lobectomy with sleeve resection of the bronchus intermedius and part of the right main bronchus was performed, and the upper lobe was reanastomosed to the right main bronchus. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and follow-up bronchoscopy showed an intact healed anastomosis.     

Granular cell myoblastoma of the bronchus in a child: A case report

Granular cell myoblastoma of the right main bronchus in a 5-year-old girl is reported. The tumor extended to the lower trachea from the right main bronchus which was occluded completely by the tumor. The diagnosis was established histologically by a obtaining bronchoscopic biopsy specimen. Right pneumonectomy was carried out to control pulmonary suppuration caused by the tumor obstruction of the bronchus. External radiotherapy and interstitial brachytherapy were successfull to control the growth of the residual tumor. She has been free from symptoms for about 12 years after the treatment.     

Clinical manifestation of mediastinal fibrosis and histoplasmosis.

We treated 20 patients thought to have mediastinal fibrosis secondary to Histoplasma capsulatum. All but 1 were symptomatic. The most common symptoms were dyspnea (8), hemoptysis (6), postobstructive pneumonia (5), and superior vena caval obstruction (2). Nine patients had severe stenosis of the trachea, carina, or main bronchus. Special stains identified Histoplasma capsulatum in surgical specimens in 9 patients. Surgical procedures were done for 18 of 20 patients (resection of subcarinal mass, 6; right middle and lower lobectomy, 5; carinal pneumonectomy, 4; esophagoplasty, 4; sleeve resection, 3 (with right main bronchus in 1, right lower and middle lobectomy in 1, and carina in 1); right upper lobectomy, 1; middle lobectomy, 1; and bronchoplasty of left main bronchus, 1. There were 4 deaths, 3 after complications of carinal pneumonectomy and 1 in a patient with tracheobronchial obstruction that could not be dilated. Two patients were treated with amphotericin and 4 with ketoconazole. Sclerosing mediastinitis secondary to histoplasmosis presents tremendous surgical challenges because of the intense fibrosis encountered. Bronchoplastic procedures are possible in spite of the intense fibrosis. High mortality rates after carinal resection may be encountered. The exact role of antifungal therapy is as yet undefined.     

Tracheoplasty--a new operation for complete congenital tracheal stenosis

This is a report of a case of complete congenital tracheal stenosis confirmed by tracheobronchogram. The stenosis also involved the origin of the right main bronchus. The membranous portion of the trachea was absent. It was repaired through a sternotomy and right thoracotomy aided by partial cardiopulmonary bypass. The posterior trachea was opened from larynx to carina and on into the right main bronchus, and each posterior tracheal edge was sewn to the anterior wall of the esophagus with a running Prolene suture. Three months after repair bronchoscopy showed that the new membranous trachea was epithelialized and the entire airway was of good caliber; the only problem was a diffuse tracheomalacia. He died in his seventh postoperative month after a major airway complication due to tracheotomy, which occurred after an elective bronchoscopy. It is obvious that this operation is technically feasible. It was hoped that his airway would become sufficiently stable to allow the tracheotomy tube to be removed at some time in the future.     

Surgical treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the left main bronchus and trachea by left pneumonectomy, resection of 7.5 cm of trachea, and direct reanastomosis of right lung.

A 23-year-old woman, who had suffered recurrent acute bronchitis, dyspnoea, and stridor, was found to have a tracheal stenosis and complete left main bronchus obstruction. Biopsy of the tumour showed an adenoid cystic carcinoma. After pneumonectomy the trachea was closed through tumour tissue. Two weeks later a right thoracotomy showed that a tumour had invaded the trachea from the carina up to 6 cm and the right stem bronchus for 1 cm. Under extracorporeal circulation 7.5 cm of the trachea and right bronchus were resected. A direct tracheal anastomosis was easy to perform. Spontaneous respiration with efficient coughing returned after five days. Unfortunately, one month later, high fever caused by a lung abscess developed, which provoked a massive haemoptysis with fatal outcome.     

Pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea in an 8-year-old boy: a case report

We report a case of pleomorphic adenoma of the trachea in an 8-year-old boy who required emergency surgery for severe respiratory distress. Chest computed tomographic scan and bronchoscopy showed a relatively large mass in distal trachea and right main bronchus and destruction of the lung parenchyma. The patient was subjected to right carinal resection, pneumonectomy, and pericardial patch tracheoplasty for reconstruction of the trachea. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining of tumor specimens were compatible with pleomorphic adenoma. Postoperative follow-up of this patient for a period of 6 months showed satisfactory results with no complications or tumor recurrence. We present not only a very rare benign tracheal tumor in children but also demonstrate successful usage of a free pericardial patch for tracheal reconstruction, although direct anastomosis failed to provide an adequate anastomotic lumen.     

Carinal resection and reconstruction for recurrent lung cancer

A patient with a recurrent tumor in the trachea adjacent to the right main bronchus was treated by surgical resection 19 months after undergoing surgery for the primary cancer. The patient had previously undergone right upper lobectomy for T1N0M0 stage I squamous cell carcinoma. A carinal resection was performed which included 4 rings of the trachea, 2 rings of the righ main bronchus, and 1 ring of the left main bronchus. Reconstruction consisted of an end-to-end anastomosis of the trachea and left main bronchus, and an end-to-side anastomosis of the right and left main bronchi. The postoperative course was uneventful, and at present the patient is healthy 12 months following reoperation.     

Postoperative airway stenosis and stent therapy in carinal reconstruction for lung cancer.

A 48-year-old male had adenocarcinoma of the right upper lung lobe that invaded the lower trachea. The right upper lobe, the carina, and 5 rings of the lower trachea were resected. The carina was reconstructed using end-to-end anastomosis between the trachea and right intermediate bronchus, with the left main bronchus anastomosed to the side wall of the intermediate bronchus. Two months after surgery, the right intermediate bronchus developed bronchomalacia and the tracheal anastomosis granulatory stenosis. Bronchomalacia was treated with 2 expandable metallic stents, and granulatory stenosis with a Dumon stent. Although the silicone stent successfully dilated the granulatory stenosis, the metallic stents caused delayed glanulatory stenosis. We concluded that a metallic stent is not desirable for treating postreconstructive airway stenosis including bronchomalacia, whereas a Dumon stent may be effective.     

Postoperative airway stenosis and stent therapy in carinal reconstruction for lung cancer

A 48-year-old male had adenocarcinoma of the right upper lung lobe that invaded the lower trachea. The right upper lobe, the carina, and 5 rings of the lower trachea were resected. The carina was reconstructed using end-to-end anastomosis between the trachea and right intermediate bronchus, with the left main bronchus anastomosed to the side wall of the intermediate bronchus. Two months after surgery, the right intermediate bronchus developed bronchomalacia and the tracheal anastomosis granulatory stenosis. Bronchomalacia was treated with 2 expandable metallic stents, and granulatory stenosis with a Dumon stent. Although the silicone stent successfully dilated the granulatory stenosis, the metallic stents caused delayed glanulatory stenosis. We concluded that a metallic stent is not desirable for treating postreconstructive airway stenosis including bronchomalacia, whereas a Dumon stent may be effective.     

Experience of twenty-one cases of tracheo-bronchoplasty

Twenty-one cases of tracheo-bronchoplasty were performed in Akita University Hospital from 1997 to 2007. There are 14 cases of squamous cell carcinoma, 3 cases of adenocarcinoma, 2 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma, 1 case of inflammatory tracheal stenosis, and 1 case of inflammatory bronchial stenosis. We performed 12 cases of right upper sleeve lobectomy, 4 cases of left upper sleeve lobectomy, 2 cases of left lower sleeve lobectomy, 1 case of right sleeve pneumonectomy, and 2 cases of tracheoplasty. Of 3 cases, we added sleeve resection of pulmonary artery. The ends of the bronchus are anastomosed end-to-end. The bronchial anastomotic suture was carried out peri-cartilaginously through all layers using an interrupted suture technique except for membranous portion. Membranous portion was sutured a continuous anastomotic technique. We use monofilament, absorbable suture material.     

Jet ventilation via a Univent tube for sleeve pneumonectomy.

A 51-year-old man presented with a right upper lobe adenocarcinoma with carinal extension. He underwent a right sleeve pneumonectomy, which involved a carinal resection with anastomosis between the trachea and left main bronchus. This report describes the successful use of jet ventilation, administered via the lumen of the bronchial blocker of a Univent tube. During 15 min of carinal resection, oxygenation of his left lung was maintained with the bronchial blocker bridging the airway discontinuity.     

Patch-closure of tracheal defects with pericardium/PTFE. A new technique in extended pneumonectomy with carinal resection

Patch closure of a tracheal defect resulting from extended pneumonectomy including the main carina and a limited area of the lower trachea or the opposite bronchus is described in five cases of bronchogenic carcinoma and one case of metastatic melanoma. It was accomplished by the use of a PTFE soft-tissue patch and integrated pericardial flap. Airway continuity was satisfactorily restored in all but one case with a longest survival of 30 months. One patient developed an empyema and died from respiratory failure after 6 weeks. The method is technically easy and can serve as an alternative to resection of the whole bifurcation in selected cases. Intraoperative ventilation using double lumen tubes needs not be altered.     

The use of omental pedicle flap for tracheobronchial reconstruction in infants and children

For the surgical repair of long-segment tracheal stenosis, costal cartilage graft or extensive resection with end-to-end anastomosis has often been used. Both procedures have a risk of developing anastomotic leakage, which is potentially a lethal complication, or stenosis resulting from compromised blood supply to the tissue at the anastomosis. We have used omental pedicle flap (OPF) to seal the anastomotic line and to restore the vascularity of the graft and the trachea in an attempt to avoid fatal complications. During the period between 1986 and 1990, OPF technique was used in tracheobronchial reconstruction in six patients aged 4 months to 3 years; cartilage graft for extensive tracheal stenosis (4), tracheal resection and anastomosis (1), and bronchial resection and anastomosis (1). The omentum was separated from the colon to form an OPF with the right gastroepiploic vessels preserved. The OPF was brought to the upper trachea in the mediastinum through the retrosternal space. There was no immediate postoperative death due to anastomotic leak. Endotrachial tubes were removed in all patients. Four of the six are totally free of airway problems. One patient showed persistent stridor because of remaining stenosis at the cervical trachea. The remaining one patient who underwent bronchial resection developed anastomotic stenosis probably due to the compression of the floppy left main bronchus by adjacent aorta. The OPF seems to be an important surgical adjunct in order to eliminate fatal complications in tracheobronchial reconstruction.     

Surgical treatment of congenital distal tracheal stenosis involving the carina

Untreated congenital stenosis of the distal trachea frequently results in lethal airway obstruction. A 3-year-old boy with segmental stenosis of the distal trachea and a 2-year-old girl with segmental stenosis involving the carina and the right main bronchus were treated successfully with resection and reanastomosis. Operative techniques, anesthetic management, postoperative care, and tracheal growth after anastomosis are discussed.     

Obstructing endobronchial fibrous histiocytoma: potential for lung salvage.

In the past 10 years two children, ages 3 1/2 and 7 years, have been seen with central endobronchial fibrous histiocytoma causing complete atelectasis. Each child had a 4- to 6-month history of cough, dyspnea and fever. After antibiotic failure, x-rays demonstrated complete unilateral lung collapse. Bronchoscopy in case 1 demonstrated total occlusion of the left mainstem bronchus with 80% stenosis of the right. Left pneumonectomy was ultimately performed with removal of tumor frm the right bronchus. Ten years later the patient is well. Case 2 had an extrinsic etiology ruled out by computed tomography scan. Ventilation/perfusion scan showed no ventilation and only faint perfusion of the involved lung. Pulmonary function testing showed moderate to severe restrictive changes with air trapping. Total obliteration of the left mainstem with tumor projecting into the carina was observed on bronchoscopy. Endoscopic resection was not felt to be safe. Thoracotomy showed a totally atelectatic, edematous lung filled with pus. The left main bronchus was opened, the tumor removed, and the distal bronchus lavaged and selectively ventilated. Partial lung expansion was obtained. The child is well 1 1/2 years later with a normal chest radiograph, pulmonary function tests, and bronchoscopy. Fibrous histiocytomas of the lung, if in a central endobronchial location, can cause complete lung collapse. A combination of tumor resection, lavage, and selective ventilation should be attempted as an alternative to pneumonectomy, even if the lung appears to be nonsalvageable.     

Autogenous bronchial pedicle flap for tracheoplastic procedures]

Nine cases of large tracheal defect due to resection of tumor or scar were repaired by using autogenous bronchial pedicle flap. The symptoms of airway obstruction rapidly disappeared after operation. The normal part of the right main bronchus and bronchus intermediate was used as material for repair, both lower and middle lobes were preserved in one case, and the lower lobe was preserved in another. We believe that in tracheoplasty with autogenous bronchial flap for large tracheal defect is satisfactory.     

Tracheobronchoplasty for resection of lung cancer arising from a tracheal bronchus

Tracheal bronchus is a rare anomoly wherein a bronchus arises directly from the trachea and supplies the right upper lobe. We had a case of lung cancer arising from a tracheal bronchus with invasion into the trachea. Tracheobronchoplasty was needed for complete resection of the tumor. Because of the anatomical characteristics of the tracheal bronchus, special surgical techniques for resection of the neoplasm were needed.     

The posterior membranous flap technique for bronchial closure after pneumonectomy

Bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy is a life-threatening complication which is associated with the surgical technique and the experience of the surgeon. We evaluated the incidence of bronchopleural fistula using the posterior membranous flap technique, as originally described by G. Jack in 1965. The surgical technique of bronchial closure proximal to the carina is described and discussed. From 1999 to 2005, 45 consecutive patients underwent pneumonectomy in our hospital using the posterior membranous flap technique for bronchial closure. Twenty-nine patients (64.5%) underwent left pneumonectomy and 16 patients (35.5%) right pneumonectomy. Patients were operated on for non-small cell lung cancer (41 patients - 89%), small cell lung cancer (one patient - 2.2%), mixed and other types of cancer (two patients - 4.4%), and non-neoplastic etiology (one patient - 2.2%). In the follow up of the patients no bronchopleural fistula was identified after pneumonectomy, right or left. Thirty-day mortality was 6.6% (three patients), all because of cardiorespiratory insufficiency. Using the posterior membranous flap technique, we eliminated the two major factors of the occurrence of BPF: (a) the tension in the suture line; and (b) the remaining stump from the resected bronchus. This bronchial closure technique offers a safe method of prevention of bronchopleural fistula.