Complex Sleeve Lobectomy Has Lower Postoperative Major Complications Than Pneumonectomy in Patients with Centrally Located Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Background: Standard sleeve lobectomies are recommended over pneumonectomy (PN), but the efficacy and oncological proficiency of complex sleeve lobectomies (CSLs) have not been completely investigated. The aim of this study was to report our experience in CSL in patients affected by a centrally located non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), comparing all the variables and outcomes with PN. Methods: From 2014 to 2022, we collected the data of patients who underwent PN and CSL for NSCLC, excluding neuroendocrine tumors, salvage surgery or carinal resection. Regression analysis was used to assess the association between procedures and complications; the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate survival and risk factors of reduced survival. Results: We analyzed n = 38 extended sleeve lobectomies and n= 6 double-sleeve lobectomies (CSL group) and n= 60 PNs. We had a trend toward higher postoperative mortality in the PN group (5% vs. 0%, p = 0.13). Major complications and bronchial fistula developed in 21.7% and 6.8% (p = 0.038) and in 6.7% and 4.5% (p = 0.64), respectively. The right side was identified as risk factor for major complications, whereas age > 70 and PN had a trend of association in multivariable analysis. The median OS was similar between the two groups (p = 0.76) and cancer recurrence was the only significant risk factors of reduced OS. Excluding functionally compromised patients, the OS of CSL was better than that of PN (67% vs. 42%, p = 0.25). Conclusions: Considering that major complications are often associated with mortality after surgery for centrally located NSCLC, CSLs could be considered an alternative to PN while also ensuring comparable survival.