Extended Tracheal Resection: Carinal Resections

 “Carinal resection and reconstruction” is defined as the resection of tracheal-bronchial bifurcation with or without associated lung resection.  Carinal resection can either be performed in isolation or be combined with parenchymal resection.  The reported mortality for isolated carinal resection ranges from 3% to 12.7% in high-volume centers.  The tracheobronchial anastomosis is usually performed in an end-to-end fashion. Sutures are generally placed in the same manner: a running suture of the membranous part and an interrupted suture of the cartilaginous part.  The 5 year survival after carinal resection varies from 27% to 51% and is largely influenced by the N2 status.