Anterolateral vs. Clamshell Thoracotomy for Bilateral Lung Transplantation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clamshell thoracotomy is the traditional approach for bilateral sequential lung transplantation (LuTx), despite considerable morbidity. The bilateral anterolateral thoracotomy without sternal division is proposed as an alternative, less invasive method. Since this technique is more surgically challenging, the aim of this study was to evaluate the more favorable surgical approach.

Methods

Adult patients undergoing LuTx between 2010 and 2022 were included in this single-center retrospective cohort study. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the effect of surgical approach on mortality, operative outcomes, and complications.

Results

A total of 249 patients (anterolateral thoracotomy: n = 132, clamshell: n = 117) were included. Recipients

SUBMITTER: Langmuur SJJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12710450 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature