1993 Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 155-162
Pneumonectomy was performed in 34 patients (17.3%) of 197 consecutive pulmonary resections for lung cancer in our department from 1981 to 1990. Arrhythmia was the most common postoperative complication (7 cases, 20.6%). Bronchopleural fistulas occured in 6 cases (17.6%). Other complications were palsy of the reccurent nerve, 3 cases (8.8%); respiratory failure, reoperation for postoperative intrathoracic hemorrhage, 2 cases each (5.9%). There were three operative deaths and the operative mortality rate was 9.1%.
For prophylaxis of postoperative complications, careful operation and postoperative management of respiration and circulation are important. For prophylaxis of bronchopleural fistula, we recommend that the bronchial stump should be covered with available tissues.
The 5-year survival rate of pneumonectomy was 37.7%(including operative deaths). Causes of death for those who survived long after operation were as follows; local recurrence, 3 cases (19%); distant metastasis, 11 cases (69%) pneumonia, heart failure, 1 case each (6%).
These results suggest that the primary tumor was relatively well controlled by pneumonectomy. There was no case of death long after pneumonectomy due to cardiopulmonary failure.
