Sleeve lobectomy in lung cancer.

Sleeve lobectomy for lung cancer is now commonly performed around the world for central lung cancers that are anatomically suitable regardless of lung function. The morbidity and mortality are low, especially when compared with pneumonectomy. Bronchial complications are quite low. Local control seems to be at least as good as that obtained with pneumonectomy. Survival in most series is better with sleeve lobectomy than with pneumonectomy. Although there is still controversy with the use of sleeve lobectomy in patients with N1 disease, several recent series suggest better survival compared with pneumonectomy. Sleeve lobectomy can be safely performed after induction therapy. Quality of life is better with sleeve lobectomy compared with pneumonectomy.