title: [Surgical approach for lung cancer larger than 10 cm].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To discuss the surgical techniques for lung cancer larger than 10 cm.
  
  
  METHODS
  Via a modified anterolateral thoracotomy entered through the 4th or 5th intercostal space, intrapericardial access to pulmonary vessels was obtained for pneumonectomy or extended pneumonectomy in all patients, after excluding the feasibility of lobectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  From March 2009 to October 2011, 13 consecutive patients with lung cancer larger than 10 cm, were admitted to surgical resection via this approach for intrapericardial pneumonectomy/extending pneumonectomy. The whole processes were smooth and without any major morbidity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The main approach for lung cancer larger than 10 cm is pneumonectomy. The key to surgical success is intrapericardial controlling of the hilum vascular. The modified anterolateral thoracotomy may facilitate this procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. greatweibo@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Fu-sheng
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Jian-rui
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000379:methods*