Surgical training in extended sleeve lobectomy with fresh-frozen human cadavers: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Extended sleeve lobectomy is a useful technique for avoiding pneumonectomy; however, it requires advanced surgical skills. Case presentation Herein, we report the case of a 67-year-old male, who presented with locally advanced lung adenocarcinoma in the left lower lobe and was scheduled to undergo extended sleeve lobectomy (left lower lobectomy + lingulectomy). In order to complete this operation safely, we practiced the procedure on fresh-frozen human cadavers 2 weeks before the surgery. The cadaveric tissue was soft, and the bronchi exhibited comparable fragility to those in the living body. During the actual surgery, the bronchoplasty procedure matched our experience with the cadaver model, and the patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusions Fresh-frozen human cadavers are useful for training surgeons in technically demanding procedures.