Sleeve lobectomy versus lobectomy for primary treatment of non-small–cell lung cancer: A single-center retrospective analysis

Abstract

Background and Objectives: It is unclear how much additional perioperative risk a sleeve lobectomy could pose in comparison to lobectomy. The objective of this analysis was to compare the complication rate, 30-day mortality, and overall survival between lobectomy and sleeve lobectomy without prior neoadjuvant treatment in non-small–cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: This is a retrospective study using our prospective database for quality assurance in our hospital. Inclusion criteria for our study was a completed lobectomy or sleeve lobectomy for primary treatment of NSCLC. Results: In 506 patients, the tumor was treated by means of standard lobectomy. In 252 patients with central tumor localization, sleeve lobectomy was performed. Postoperative complications occurred in n:148 (29.24%) patients of the lobectomy group and in n = 76 (30.15%) of the sleeve group. The mortality rate difference between the two groups was statistically significant and favored the lobectomy group (0.78% vs. 4.76%, p =.007). Five year survival was 69.97% for the lobectomy and 65.59% for the sleeve group (p =.829). Conclusion: Sleeve lobectomy for primary surgical treatment of NSCLC has comparable perioperative complications with lobectomy. Sleeve lobectomy does not seem to negatively influence survival. Postoperative mortality was higher in the sleeve group.