Postoperative assessment of elderly lung cancer cases based on lung function tests and postoperative complications

Abstract

We studied postoperative complications, changes in performance status and lung function values of 84 elderly patients (over 75 years old) in comparison with 80 of younger resected lung cancer patients (60 to 74 years-old) from 1983 through 1992. The preoperative lung function tests revealed the presence of more severe obstructive lung disease (chronic emphysema) in the elderly group than in the younger group. The lobectomies caused the same degree of restrictive lung impairment in both groups. The common postoperative complications in the elderly group were pneumonia, difficulty in expectoration, atelectasis, arrhythmia nd hypoxemia. Changes in the performance status after lobectomies in the elderly group were significantly worse than in the younger group. These results indicate a high incidence of postoperative complications in the elderly group suggesting latent cardiovascular or pulmonary problems. It is suggested that when lung surgery must be performed for elderly patients, careful management should be necessary during perioperative period.