Ex situ sleeve resection and autotransplantation of the left lower lobe after extended pneumonectomy

A 69-year-old patient with reduced pulmonary function was diagnosed as suff ering from non-small cell lung cancer of the left lung invading the main br onchus, pulmonary artery and left atrium. Staging examinations were negativ e. Using cardiopulmonary bypass, an extended pneumonectomy with partial res ection of the left atrium was performed. The cardiac defect was closed with a pericardial patch. The lower lobe was divided ex situ from the upper lob e and reimplanted with anastomosis of the lower pulmonary vein to the left auricle. After a totally uneventful course the patient is in good condition and free of tumor recurrence 2.5 years postoperatively.