This case report describes a 75-year-old patient with a centrally located squamous cell carcinoma extending from the carina to the right intermediate bronchus and the superior segment of the lower lobe, while sparing the basilar segments. The team performed an en-bloc right lung and carinal resection, ex vivo preparation and reimplantation of the right basilar segment, and Y-shaped carinal reconstruction. Vascular, bronchial, and airway reconstructions were satisfactory, with no life-threatening early complications. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy at one month confirmed a functioning reconstructed airway and autotransplanted segment.
For CTSNet’s audience, this first reported combination of basilar-segment autotransplantation and carinal reconstruction demonstrates an extreme parenchyma-sparing option for carefully selected central lung cancers that might otherwise require a pneumonectomy. The report underlines the value of multidisciplinary planning, ex vivo lung preservation, and advanced airway and vascular reconstruction in preserving respiratory reserve without compromising resection intent.
