Sleeve Resection Surgery (also known as sleeve lungectomy) is a type of specialized lung surgery in which a lobe and a portion of the airway are removed, followed by the reconnecting of the healthy ends of bronchus. Treatment for sleeve resection surgery, unlike a traditional pneumonectomy or lobectomy (removal the entire lung), is a procedure that spares the lung. This makes it a viable option for patients who have centrally located lung tumors or lung cancers in early stages.
This type of surgery can be used to treat non-small cells lung cancer or bronchial tumors. Treatment for sleeve resection surgery improves pulmonary function and quality of life for patients by preserving more healthy lung tissue.
This surgery is an effective treatment for sleeve resection surgery, allowing for better outcomes and recovery. The treatment for sleeve resection surgery provides significant advantages for patients.
What is Sleeve Resection Surgery
The sleeve resection technique is a thoracic surgery whereby a lung lobe and a lung airway are removed. The healthy airway ends are carefully stitched back together in order to maintain normal lung functions.
Imagine removing the damaged end of a pipe, and connecting the two good ends. This method removes the tumour while keeping as much lung tissue as possible.
This procedure is indicated in the following situations:
- Centrally located lung tumours (in or around the main bronchus).
- Bronchial Carcinoid Tumors
- Benign airway tumours
- Patients not suitable for pneumonectomy
Why Sleeve Resection Surgery is Performed
Understanding Treatment for Sleeve Resection Surgery
- To Preserve Lung Function:- The sleeve-resection procedure minimizes lung tissue loss, which is important for patients with compromised lung function from smoking, COPD or other lung conditions.
- Preserving lung function means:
- Postoperative Breathing: Improved Results
- Faster recovery
- Quality of Life
- Reduction of long-term complications
- Effective for Central Lung Tumors:- Most lung tumors are found near the bronchi and the hilum. In such cases, removing the entire lung may be too much. This is especially true if the rest of your lung is still healthy. Sleeve resection is a balanced method that removes the cancer while keeping the lung in good condition.
- Pneumonectomy is less invasive than Pneumonectomy:- According to studies, patients who undergo sleeve-resections experience lower mortality and morbidity rates than those who undergo pneumonectomy. Sleeve-resections are often safer for elderly patients and those with comorbidities.
Specially Designed for Specific Cancer Types
This is particularly beneficial for:
- Central airway cancer (NSCLC), a non-small cell lung carcinoma
- Bronchial Carcinoid Tumors (slow growing lung tumors).
- Squamous cells carcinoma near the bronchus
There are options that are minimally invasive:-In certain situations, modern techniques like video-assisted surgery and robot-assisted surgery can be used to perform a minimally invasive sleeve removal. These techniques reduce hospital stays, minimize scarring and speed up the recovery.
What to expect from Sleeve Resection Surgery
- Pre-operative preparation
- Tests of pulmonary function
- CT scans and PET scans
- The tumor can be located by bronchoscopy
- Cardiac assessment for surgical fitness
Surgical Steps
- The general anesthesia is administered.
- The surgeon can access the lung via a minimally invasive technique or a thoracotomy, which is an incision made on the chest.
- The affected bronchus or lobe is removed.
- The two healthy ends are reattached to the bronchus (bronchial anostomosis).
- The incision is then closed and drainage tubes are inserted.
Post-operative care
- Hospital stay: 5 to 7 days
- Exercises for breathing and physiotherapy
- Follow-up imaging and bronchoscopy regularly
- Smoking and other pollutants should be avoided
Benefits of Sleeve Resection Surgical Procedure
- Maintains lung function for patients with reduced breathing capacity
- The risk of pneumonectomy is less than that of a full lung removal.
- Early-stage cancers are more susceptible to cure.
- Minimally invasive procedures allow for a faster recovery.
- Post-surgery quality of life improved
Potential risks and complications
- Sleeve resection is a major procedure that carries risks.
- Infection or pneumonia
- Anastomotic Leak (rare)
- Bleeding
- Breathing difficulties
- Air leakage that is persistent
These risks are much lower, however, than the full lung removal procedure, especially when performed by experienced hands.
Recovery after Sleeve Resection Surgery
The Phase
What to Expect
- Week 2:- Early mobilization, hospital stay, and pain management
- Week 3-4:- Exercises for breathing and light activity at home
- Month 2:- Return to normal activity gradually
- Month 4:- Follow-up scans to ensure full recovery
Conclusion
Sleeve Resection Surgery can be a lifesaving option for patients who have centrally located lung cancers. The benefit is that the tumor can be removed while preserving as much lung tissue as possible. Sleeve resection is a good option for patients with reduced lung capacity or who do not qualify for a full lung resection.
Sleeve resection is a viable and safe option for treating lung cancer. This is due to advances in minimally-invasive thoracic surgeries, pre-operative imaging and post-operative care. Consult a thoracic specialist if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a lung cancer.
