Right lower lobe sleeve resection: bronchial flap to correct caliber disparity.

Abstract

Sleeve resection of the right lower lobe is performed infrequently. Caliber disparity between the truncus intermedius and the middle lobe bronchus is a major problem. We report a case of lung cancer completely resected by sleeve resection of the right lower lobe. A bronchial flap constructed from the distal bronchial end was used for correction of the caliber disparity, and interlobar dissection between the upper and middle lobes effectively reduced the tension on the anastomotic site. These procedures are useful for sleeve resection of the right lower lobe.