Parenchyma-Sparing Strategy in Central Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Institutional Experience on Surgical Selection, Complications, and Survival

Background/Objectives: Sleeve lobectomy serves as a parenchyma-sparing alternative to pneumonectomy for central non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study describes and compares early postoperative outcomes and overall survival between sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy and explores factors associated with survival.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on 97 consecutive patients with central NSCLC operated at the Marius Nasta National Institute of Pneumophthisiology between September 2021 and December 2022, with follow-up through 1 March 2025. Patients were divided into two groups: sleeve lobectomy (n = 41) and pneumonectomy (n = 56). Early morbidity, mortality, and overall survival were evaluated using univariate analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.