Parenchyma-sparing operations or bronchoplastic operations are an important surgical technique in the surgical treatment of centrally located bronchogenic carcinoma. At present they are used in indicated cases also in patients without restricted pulmonary functions who are able to undergo pneumonectomy. For the patient bronchoplastic operations involve a smaller surgical stress as compared with pneumonectomy and a lower postoperative mortality and morbidity. Comparison of the two surgical techniques and the immediate results are presented by the authors. They fully confirm the conclusions of many other authors from abroad who prefer, in order to reduce postoperative complications, parenchyma-sparing operations to pneumonectomy regardless of functional respiratory parameters. Large groups provide evidence of at least a compoarable period of survival in these operations as compared with pneumonectomies, and moreover a better quality of life.

        Key words: bronchogenic carcinoma - bronchoplastic operations - pneumonectomy