Response letter: Bronchial sleeve resection or pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer? Pneumonectomy is still a valid choice

We appreciate the comments and concerns (TCR-2016-253) expressed by Dr. Lococo and co-workers regarding our article titled ”Bronchial sleeve resection or pneumonectomy (PN) for non-small cell lung cancer: a propensity-matched analysis of long-term results, survival and quality of life” (1). In lung cancer, sleeve lobectomy (SL) has been introduced as a surgical option for patients who cannot tolerate a PN due to poor lung function. Originally, SL was considered only as an alternative procedure, because of the somewhat more complex surgical technique, even with experience, and the possibility of an incomplete resection compared to PN (2,3). The main concern with SL has been the possible increase in loco-regional recurrence. Suture line recurrence may be related to lung preservation, if the adequate bronchial margins are compromised (4).