The purpose of this study was to assess operative mortality, morbidity, and long-term results of the totality of sleeve resections performed at our institutions over the last eight years, including sleeve lobectomies (SL), carinoplasties with total lung sparing (CP) and sleeve pneumonectomies (SP).

A retrospective review of all the patients who underwent a tracheo-bronchial resection for bronchial cancer between 2004 and 2012 was undertaken. Bronchial sleeve resections and combined bronchial and vascular sleeve resections were described.

The resulting group studied was 22 patients. SL and SP had a perioperative mortality rate of 7.1% and 28.5% respectively; morbidity rates were 21.4% for SL and 42.8% for SP. Global one-year and three-year survival was 75% and 63% respectively. One-year survival was 84% for SL and 53% for SP; three-year survival rate was 65% and 35% respectively (p=0.24). The absence of nodal metastatic involvement was associated with a better outcome with a three-year survival rate of 69% in the N0 group vs a 36% rate in the N+ group.

Sleeve resection procedures achieved satisfactory local control of the tumour in our experience even in patients with preoperative contraindication to pneumonectomy, with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates.