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Risk of a right pneumonectomy: role of bronchopleural fistula.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to compare the morbidity and mortality of right versus left pneumonectomy. METHODS: We used a retrospective review of pneumonectomies performed during the period 1990 to 2000 and included a meta-analysis of relevant literature. RESULTS: There were 187 pneumonectomies: 68 right, 119 left. The primary study end point was in-hospital death. There were 11 deaths: 7 (10.3%) right, 4 (3.3%) left (p = 0.10). Six deaths were attributable to bronchopleural fistula and its subsequent complications. The risk of bronchopleural fistula was higher on the right (9 [13.2%]) versus left (6 [5.0%]; p = 0.0472), as was the mortality associated with bronchopleural fistula (4 of 9 [44%] right versus 2 of 6 [33%] left). Right pneumonectomies were more likely to require an intrapericardial or extended dissection (p = 0.003), hand-sewn bronchial closure (p < 0.0001), or the closure buttressed (p < 0.0001). By univariate analysis, factors associated with an increased mortality were bronchopleural fistula (p < 0.0001), hand-sewn closure (p = 0.001), and a history of smoking (p = 0.01). By multivariate analysis, the most important factor was bronchopleural fistula (odds ratio, 43.3; 95% confidence limits, 4.2 to 441.9; p = 0.002). A meta-analysis combining our results with those from the literature found increased mortality of right pneumonectomy with a relative risk of 3.39 (95% confidence limits, 2.10 to 5.48; p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Right pneumonectomy is associated with a higher mortality even in the absence of induction therapy. This is primarily related to the increased risk of bronchopleural fistula on the right. The increased number of bronchopleural fistulas on the right may be attributable to more extensive resection. Addressing technical factors that contribute to early bronchopleural fistula may reduce the mortality of right pneumonectomy.

Adult↗

Study on the late effect of pneumonectomy on right heart pressures using Doppler echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: Changes in the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and the dimensions of the right ventricle (RV) of the heart, six months after pneumonectomy, were evaluated in order to detect the influence of pneumonectomy on right heart function. METHODS: 35 patients undergoing pneumonectomy (Group A) and 17 patients undergoing lobectomy or bilobectomy (Group B) were evaluated prospectively with spirometry, arterial blood gases determination and Doppler echocardiography at rest, preoperatively and six months postoperatively. Patients of both groups had normal preoperative PASP, RV dimensions and left ventricular ejection fraction. PASP was calculated using the equation: PASP=4x(maximal velocity of the tricuspid regurgitant jet)2+10 mmHg. FEV1, FVC, partial pressures of oxygen (pO2) and carbon dioxide in the arterial blood were considered as the main determinants of postoperative lung function. RESULTS: PASP increased significantly six months postoperatively in both groups (P<0.05). Mean PASP in Group A (40.51+/-12.52 mmHg) was significantly higher (P=0.012) than in Group B (32.88+/-5.25 mmHg). Mean PASP after right pneumonectomy (48.33+/-10.61 mmHg) was significantly higher (P=0.002) than after left pneumonectomy (35.26+/-10.83 mmHg). The incidence of RV dilatation was higher in Group A (60%) than in Group B (23.52%). RV dilatation was related with elevated PASP values in both groups (P<0.001 and P=0.034, respectively). Increased age (P<0.001), significant percent FVC reduction from preoperative values (P=0.012) and low pO2 values (P=0.001) were detected as strong predisposing factors for postpneumonectomy PASP elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonectomy is related with postoperative elevation of PASP and RV dilatation, especially right pneumonectomy. Significant percent FVC reduction, increased age and low pO2 values are the main responsible factors for elevation of the 6-month postoperative PASP values.

Aged↗

Empyema and bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy: factors affecting incidence.

BACKGROUND: Factors affecting the incidence of empyema and bronchopleural fistula (BPF) after pneumonectomy were analyzed. METHODS: All patients who underwent pneumonectomy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from January 1985 to September 1998 were reviewed. There were 713 patients (514 males and 199 females). Ages ranged from 12 to 86 years (median 64 years). Indication for resection was primary malignancy in 607 patients (85.1%), metastatic disease in 32 (4.5%), and benign disease in 74 (10.4%). One hundred fifteen patients (16.1%) underwent completion pneumonectomy. Factors affecting the incidence of postoperative empyema and BPF were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Empyema was documented in 53 patients (7.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.7% to 9.7%) and a BPF in 32 (4.5%; 95% CI, 3.1% to 6.3%). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the development of empyema was adversely affected by benign disease (p = 0.0001), lower preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; p < 0.01) and diffusion capacity of lung to carbon monoxide (DLCO; p = 0.0001), lower preoperative serum hemoglobin (p = 0.05), right pneumonectomy (p = 0.0109), bronchial stump reinforcement (p = 0.007), completion pneumonectomy (p < 0.01), timing of chest tube removal (p = 0.01), and the amount of blood transfusions (p < 0.01). Similarly, the development of BPF was significantly associated with benign disease (p = 0.03), lower preoperative FEV1 (p = 0.03) and DLCO (p = 0.01), right pneumonectomy (p < 0.0001), bronchial stump reinforcement (p = 0.03), timing of chest tube removal (p = 0.004), increased intravenous fluid in the first 12 hours (p = 0.04), and blood transfusions (p = 0.04). Bronchial stump closure with staples had a protective effect against BPF compared with suture closure (p = 0.009). No risk factors were identified as being jointly significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple perioperative factors were associated with an increased incidence of empyema and BPF after pneumonectomy. Prophylactic reinforcement of the bronchial stump with viable tissue may be indicated in those patients suspected at higher risk for either empyema or BPF.

Adolescent↗

Elective pneumonectomy for benign lung disease: modern-day mortality and morbidity.

This retrospective study of elective pneumonectomy for complicated inflammatory lung disease was done to define modern-day mortality and morbidity. One hundred twenty-four patients received elective pneumonectomy. Patient ages ranged from 6 months to 71 years. Past, recurrent, or new pulmonary tuberculosis was present in 107 patients (86.3%). Clinical presentation involved recurrent infections or severe suppurative sequelae (abscess, empyema). Forty-seven patients had chronic hemoptysis and 25 patients had past or recent massive hemoptysis (> 600 ml of hemoptysis fluid within 24 hours). Nutritional deficiencies were common. One hundred six patients (85.5%) had end-stage destroyed lungs. Evaluative bronchoscopy showed inflammatory endobronchial changes in 106 patients (85.5%), bronchial strictures in 4, and indolent endobronchial tumor in 2. Lung separation was by double-lumen tube in 96 patients, single lung-single tube in 6, bronchus blocker in 6, and prone posture in 9. Extrapleural pneumonectomy was done in 83 patients (66.9%). Fifty-seven of these procedures were left sided and 26 were right sided. Standard transpleural pneumonectomy was done in 41 patients (33.1%): 30 left sided and 11 right sided. Nine pneumonectomies were conducted with the patient in the prone position. Four patients had completion pneumonectomy. Hospital mortality was three deaths (2.4%). Morbidity included postpneumonectomy empyema in 19 patients (15.3%). Seven postoperative bronchopleural fistulas occurred. Empyema in most patients was managed by open pleural drainage (thoracostoma) and later space closure. Pneumonectomy proved effective therapy with low mortality but postpneumonectomy empyema posed serious morbidity.

Adolescent↗

Pneumonectomy in children.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical literature carries relatively scant information on pneumonectomy in children. We reviewed our experience over 7 years, determined the risk/benefit ratio and compared our experience with reports from the literature. METHODS: The records of children undergoing pneumonectomy, 14 years and younger, over a 7-year period from January 1991 to December 1997, are analysed, the techniques used to determine the need for and extent of surgery are studied, whilst the problems and outcome of surgery in this age group are determined. RESULTS: Fifty-nine children, 40 males, 19 females, aged 6 months to 14 years, average age of 7.5 years, underwent pneumonectomy. A history of pulmonary infection/s and a chest radiograph suggestive of lung destruction were indicators for investigation by bronchography and/or computerized axial tomography of the chest (HRCT scan). This determined the nature and extent of disease and the possibility and extent of surgery required. Bronchus blockers (22), five others in combination with the prone operating position, prone position (six) and a double lumen tube in one, were used to protect the healthy lung at surgery. Spill of pus was recognized once with a bronchus blocker and the prone position used in combination. Six intra-operative complications (10.1%) were recognized: bronchial spill (one) without consequence, conversion of bi-lobectomy to pneumonectomy due to pulmonary artery injury (one), cardiac arrest (with resuscitation, one), bradycardia with hypotension (one), excessive bleeding (one) and intra-pleural spill of debris (one), the last without consequence. Seven post-operative complications (11.8%) occurred: one empyema (sterilized), bleeding one, pulmonary infection two, suspected but unproven broncho-pleural fistulae two, prolonged antibiotics in one, reason unrecorded. One pneumonectomy through an empyema was uncomplicated. The main histological features were bronchiectasis (38), active tuberculosis (eight), end-stage lung (five), collapse and pulmonary haemorrhage (one), lobar emphysema (one). Histology unrecorded (one). No death occurred. All patients left hospital well. CONCLUSIONS: Careful preparation, often including anti-tuberculosis cover, and timing of pneumonectomy are essential. Meticulous anaesthetic and surgical technique and co-operation are critical. Bronchus blockers functioned well but are not without risk. Attention to detail makes pneumonectomy safe in childhood.

Adolescent↗

Completion pneumonectomy for lung metastases: is it justified?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative outcome and long-term results of patients who underwent iterative and extended pulmonary resection leading to completion pneumonectomy for pulmonary metastases. METHODS: From January 1985 to December 1995, 12 patients (mean age 45 years) underwent completion pneumonectomy for pulmonary metastases. These patients represent 1.5% of all pulmonary metastases operated on. There were 5 sarcoma and 7 carcinoma patients. Before completion pneumonectomy, 8 patients had only one pulmonary resection (wedge resection, 2; segmentectomy, 2; lobectomy, 4), 3 patients had two operations and finally, 1 patient had multiple bilateral wedge resections and 1 lobectomy. The median interval time between the last pulmonary resection and completion pneumonectomy was 13.5 months (range 1-24 months). RESULTS: There were 10 left and two right completion pneumonectomies. Three patients had an extended resection (1 carina; 1 chest wall; 1 pleuropneumonectomy). Intrapericardial dissection was used in 3 patients. Two patients died within 30 days of the operation: 1 died of postoperative complications (8.3%) whereas the other died of rapidly evolving metastatic disease. The remaining 10 patients had an uneventful postoperative course. Only 1 patient is still alive and free of disease 69 months after completion pneumonectomy. One patient is alive with disease, another was lost to follow-up; 9 patients died of metastatic disease. The median survival time after completion pneumonectomy was 6 months (range 0-69 months). The estimated 5-year probability of survival was 10% (95% CI: 2-40%). CONCLUSIONS: Indications for both iterative and extended pulmonary resection for PM may be discussed only in highly young selected patients; the extremely poor outcome of our subgroup of patients should lead to even more restrictive indications of CP for pulmonary metastatic disease.

Adult↗

[Sleeve lobectomy compared to pneumonectomy for the treatment of N0-N1 non-small cell lung cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To compare survival, morbidity, and mortality rates for a series of patients who underwent either bronchoplastic sleeve lobectomy or pneumonectomy to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the clinical records for patients who underwent sleeve lobectomy or pneumonectomy for NSCLC from January 1994 through December 2003. RESULTS: From January 1994 through December 2003, 35 sleeve lobectomies and 220 pneumonectomies were performed at our department on patients with NSCLC. The perioperative mortality rate was 2.8% for the lobectomy group and 9.1% for the pneumonectomy group. The mean survival time for the pneumonectomy group was 45 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 37-53), with a 5-year survival rate of 32% (SE, 5.1%). The mean survival time for the sleeve lobectomy group was 72 months (95% CI, 56-87) (P< or =.0041), with a 5-year survival rate of 56% (SE, 9.6%). If we stratify the groups according to node involvement, patients classified as N0-N1 had a mean survival time of 52 months (95% CI, 43-61), with a 5-year survival rate of 39% (SE, 6.2%) for the pneumonectomy group. The mean survival time for patients undergoing sleeve lobectomy was 75 months (95% CI, 59-92) (P< or =.018), with a 5-year survival rate of 60% (SE, 10.4%). Survival for patients with N2 disease was similar to that of patients with N0-N1 disease. CONCLUSION: For patients with N0-N1 non-small cell lung cancer, sleeve lobectomy offers better survival than pneumonectomy.

Adult↗

Pneumonectomy for malignant disease: factors affecting early morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to analyze factors affecting morbidity and mortality after pneumonectomy for malignant disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of all patients who underwent pneumonectomy for malignancy at the Mayo Clinic. Between January 1, 1985, and September 30, 1998, 639 patients (469 men and 170 women) were identified. Median age was 64 years (range 20 to 86 years). Indication for pneumonectomy was primary lung cancer in 607 (95.0%) patients and metastatic disease in 32 (5.0%). Factors affecting morbidity and mortality were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary complications occurred in 245 patients (38.3%; 95% confidence interval 34.6%-42.2%). Factors adversely affecting morbidity with univariate analysis included age (P <.0001), male sex (P =.04), associated respiratory (P =.02) or cardiovascular disease (P <.0001), cigarette smoking (P =.02), decreased vital capacity (P =.01), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (P <.0001), forced vital capacity (P =.002), diffusion capacity of the lung to carbon monoxide (P =.005), oxygen saturation (P <.05), arterial PO (2) (P =.007), preoperative radiation (P =.02), bronchial stump reinforcement (P =.007), crystalloid infusion (P =.01), and blood transfusion (P =.02). Factors adversely affecting morbidity with multivariate analysis included age (P =.0001), associated cardiovascular disease (P =.001), and bronchial stump reinforcement (P =.0005). There were 45 deaths (7.0%; 95% confidence intervals 5.2%-9.3%). Factors adversely affecting mortality with univariate analysis included associated cardiovascular (P <.0001) or hematologic disease (P <.005), lower preoperative serum hemoglobin level (P =.004), preoperative chemotherapy (P =.01), decreased diffusion capacity of lung to carbon monoxide (P =.002), right pneumonectomy (P =.0006), extended resection (P =.04), bronchial stump reinforcement (P =.007), and crystalloid infusion (P =.01). Factors affecting mortality with multivariate analysis included hematologic disease (P =.01), lower preoperative serum hemoglobin (P =.003), and completion pneumonectomy (P =.01). CONCLUSION: Multiple factors adversely affected morbidity and mortality after pneumonectomy for malignant disease. Appropriate selection and meticulous perioperative care are paramount to minimize risks in those patients who require pneumonectomy.

Adult↗

Time-dependent effect of pneumonectomy on alveolar epithelial fluid clearance in rat lungs.

OBJECTIVE: Because pneumonectomy initiates compensatory growth of the remaining lung, we determined the time-dependent effects of pneumonectomy on alveolar fluid clearance capacity. METHODS: Alveolar fluid clearance capacity with the Evans blue-labeled albumin concentration was measured in rats 3 hours, 2 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days after left pneumonectomy. The mechanisms responsible for the increase in alveolar fluid clearance were explored. RESULTS: Alveolar fluid clearance in the remaining lung was normal through 7 days and then increased 14 and 28 days after pneumonectomy. The increase in alveolar fluid clearance at 28 days after pneumonectomy was accounted primarily by an increase in amiloride-sensitive transport. The expression of epithelial sodium channel messenger RNA was increased in the remaining lung and in type II alveolar epithelial cells isolated from rats 28 days after pneumonectomy. The number of isolated type II cells was larger in pneumonectomized rats than in control rats. Also, beta-adrenergic agonist therapy increased the rate of alveolar fluid clearance at the 3-hour and 28-day time points. CONCLUSIONS: The capacity to remove alveolar fluid in the remaining lung is maintained at a normal level for up to 7 days after pneumonectomy in a rat, and then there is a marked increase in amiloride-sensitive alveolar fluid transport capacity that might depend, at least in part, on increased expression of epithelial sodium channels in type II cells and in part on the increased number of type II cells.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

Hemodynamic changes after pneumonectomy in the exercising foxhound.

Pulmonary arterial pressure is higher during exercise after pneumonectomy than before. Several factors may contribute to the elevation, e.g., loss of vascular bed, overinflation of the remaining lung, and active pulmonary vasoconstriction. We measured hemodynamic changes during graded exercise in conditioned foxhounds and compared pulmonary pressure-flow relationships before and after left pneumonectomy. Pulmonary arterial pressure-flow relationship in the remaining lung is not altered by pneumonectomy, suggesting that the increase in pulmonary vascular resistance post-pneumonectomy is largely the passive consequence of increased pulmonary blood flow to the remaining lung. The potential for chronic hyperinflation of the remaining lung to increase pulmonary resistance after pneumonectomy may have been counterbalanced by a concomitant reduction in lung elastic recoil. Unexpectedly, both mean systemic blood pressure and hematocrit were higher with respect to cardiac output after pneumonectomy. Cardiac output and stroke volume at any given work load were lower after pneumonectomy than before, and heart rate response was unaltered. This pattern of responses suggests that increases in left and right ventricular afterload may have contributed to the reduction in cardiac output.

Animals↗

Lung growth after unilateral pneumonectomy: quantitation of collagen synthesis and content.

Unilateral pneumonectomy in the adult rabbit causes the mass of the remaining lung to double within one month. The content and synthesis of lung collagen were compared in 113 rabbits with pneumonectomy, thoracotomy without pneumonectomy, or pneumonectomy with subsequent wax plombage. By the twenty eighth day after left pneumonectomy, total lung collagen and cell number were nearly 100 per cent greater than matched control values, but the density of both collagen and cell number remained constant and unchanged from control. This collagen accumlation was preceded by an increase in the rate of collagen synthesis per cell and in the per cent of lung total protein synthesis represented by collagen synthesis. In normal neonatal lung growth, total lung mass, collagen, and cell number increase. During this same period there is also an increase in the per cent of collagen synthesis represented by lung total protein synthesis; however, in contrast to postpneumonectomy adult lung growth, the density of collagen increases. Obliteration of the empty hemithorax with wax after pneumonectomy resulted in suppression of the increases in right lung cell number, collagen synthesis, and collagen accumlation seen with pneumonectomy alone. This could have generalized implications relating to the control of lung gene expression in that lung cell replication and/or lung cell differentiation may, in part, be controlled by the available space into which the lung may grow.

Animals↗

Compensatory lung growth occurs in adult dogs after right pneumonectomy.

We investigated the structural changes in the left lung of five adult male foxhounds 5 mo (n = 2) or 16 mo (n = 3) after right pneumonectomy (approximately 54% of lung resected) and five sex- and age-matched foxhounds 15-16 mo after right thoracotomy without pneumonectomy. Lungs were fixed by intratracheal instillation of glutaraldehyde and analyzed by standard morphometric techniques. After right pneumonectomy, volume of the left lung increased by 72%. Volumes of all septal structures increased significantly and were more pronounced at 5 than at 16 mo after pneumonectomy. At 16 mo, the relative increases in volume with respect to the control left lung were as follows: epithelium 73%, interstitium 100%, endothelium 55%, and capillary blood volume 43%. Surface areas of alveoli and capillary increased significantly by 52% and 34%, respectively. At 5 mo after pneumonectomy, harmonic mean thickness of the tissue-plasma barrier was significantly greater but at 16 mo it was not different from controls. There was a significant increase in diffusing capacity for oxygen (33% above controls) at 16 mo after pneumonectomy. These data suggest that, in contrast to previous findings after left pneumonectomy, compensatory lung growth does occur in adult dogs after resection of > 50% of lung.

Animals↗

Regional pulmonary function before and after pneumonectomy using 133xenon.

Regional pulmonary function studies using 133xenon gas, spirometry, and arterial blood gas levels were performed before and 1 to 47 months after pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma in 27 patients. The mean loss in forced vital capacity was more after right pneumonectomy (44.9 percent of preoperative value) than after left lung resection (41.4 percent). There was no significant change in regional pulmonary function distribution within the remaining lung in 24 patients. Two patients developed significant changes in regional pulmonary blood flow; one had hepatic cirrhosis, and the other sustained a myocardial infarction after pneumonectomy. The third patient with significant apical hyperperfusion before pneumonectomy gradually developed abnormal distribution of ventilation concomitant with electrocardiographic evidence of cor pulmonale within two years after pneumonectomy. The mean ventilation of the apical zones was significantly lower than the mean of 14 healthy subjects. This finding and the higher incidence of ventilatory defects were related to old age and heavy smoking. Seven patients with marked reduction of pulmonary blood flow to the tumor-bearing lung (9 to 33 percent of cardiac output) had technically successful pneumonectomy. A formula and nomogram were developed to estimate the prognostically significant forced expiratory volume in one second after pneumonectomy from the preoperative studies.

Age Factors↗

Changes of vasoactive peptides and effects of inhaled nitric oxide after pneumonectomy.

To clarify the role of vasoactive peptides in the physiologic response to pneumonectomy, we investigated the changes of atrial (A-type) natriuretic peptide (ANP). C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in the lung and blood after pneumonectomy and the effects of inhaled nitric oxide (NO; 5 ppm) after pneumonectomy in beagle dogs. The concentrations of these peptides in the lung and blood were measured by radioimmunoassay. The dogs in group A (n = 10) were observed without NO inhaling after right pneumonectomy, and the dogs in group B (n = 5) were observed with NO inhaling from 120 to 180 min after right pneumonectomy. After the thoracotomy, right lung tissue was resected for the pre-operative histological control. Tissue from the left lung was obtained at 120 min (5 dogs in group A), at 180 min (5 dogs in group A), and after 60 min of NO inhalation (group B) for the post-operative histological material. Peripheral blood was collected from the femoral artery. The pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was significantly increased after pneumonectomy, but rapidly decreased to the same level as the pre-operative stage after NO inhalation. Increases of plasma ANP, lung ANP and lung CNP levels occurred after pneumonectomy, while the ET-1 level was unchanged. Inhaled NO rapidly reduced the plasma ANP, lung ANP and lung CNP. These results indicate that both ANP and CNP act to maintain normotensive homeostatic balance in the pulmonary circulation.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Perioperative factors as predictors of operative mortality and morbidity in pneumonectomy.

Pneumonectomy for lung cancer is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for the morbidity and mortality have been reported, but consistent conclusive data are undetermined. Current accepted 30-day mortality rates for pneumonectomy range from 7 to 11 per cent. The objective of this study is to determine whether various perioperative factors can serve as predictors of morbidity and mortality in pneumonectomy patients and to review outcome data on patients undergoing pneumonectomy for lung cancer. A total of 105 patients undergoing pneumonectomy for lung cancer from 1988 through 1998 are studied in a retrospective chart review. The main outcome measure is the 30-day operative mortality and morbidity. Complications occurring in 10 per cent or more of the patients included atrial fibrillation (33.3%), respiratory failure (23.8%), pneumonia (21.9%), and bronchopleural fistula (12.4%). The 30-day mortality rate was 10.5 per cent (11 deaths). By Fisher's exact test for Chi-square only three statistically significant mortality factors were identified: respiratory failure (P < 0.021), sepsis (P < 0.008), and male sex (P < 0.031); respiratory failure, sepsis, and sex were predictors of death. Significant correlation could not be made to predict postoperative morbidity. Overall long-term clinical outcome for pneumonectomy as lung cancer treatment was poor. Clinical judgment remains an essential factor when considering pneumonectomy as an option for lung cancer treatment.

Adult↗

Survival after bronchoplastic lobectomy for non small cell lung cancer compared with pneumonectomy according to nodal status.

BACKGROUND: In this retrospective study we have compared the results after sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy performed for non small cell lung cancer in the period January 1990-December 1995 at the Thoracic Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Siena. Follow-up was updated until December 2000. METHODS: In that period, 38 patients underwent sleeve lobectomy and 127 underwent pneumonectomy. The bronchoplasty was a full sleeve in 30 patients and a bronchial wedge resection in eight. Systemic nodal dissection was undertaken routinely. RESULTS: The 30-day postoperative mortality was 5.2% (2/38) in the sleeve lobectomy group and 3.9% (5/127) in the pneumonectomy group. Postoperative complications occurred in 23.6% of patients in the sleeve lobectomy group and in 23.2% of those in the pneumonectomy group. Local recurrences occurred in 5.2% of patients in the sleeve lobectomy group and in 4.8% of those in the pneumonectomy group. The overall 5-year survival for the sleeve lobectomy group was 38% whereas that for the pneumonectomy group was 25% (p=0.03). Regarding lymph-node involvement, in the sleeve lobectomy group, the 5-year survival for N0, N1 and N2 was 62.5, 17.5 and 12.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that sleeve lobectomy, when performed in selected patients with non small cell lung cancer, provides at least similar overall long term survival to that seen after pneumonectomy. Long term result are chiefly related to nodal stage with a significantly lower survival for patients with nodal involvement. As most patients with nodal involvement die from distant metastases, adjuvant treatment, instead of type of resection, would play a major role in prolonging survival.

Adult↗

Pneumonectomy for lung cancer: technical and general aspects.

The current role and technical aspects of pneumonectomy for the treatment of lung cancer are evaluated based on the personal experience and on the review of the international literature. Over a four-year period 669 operations for lung cancer were performed. Fifty-nine were pneumonectomies 11 of which were completion pneumonectomies and 7 tracheal sleeve right pneumonectomies 5 of which performed with the anesthesiological tube always kept in trachea. Overall postoperative mortality was about 10% for pneumonectomy, and about 16,6 % for completion pneumonectomy with a median survival rate of 21 and 26 months respectively. In agreement with reports of the international literature, it is confirmed that pneumonectomy is a high-risk thoracic surgical procedure and an accurate cardiovascular and respiratory evaluation is very important for patient selection.

Humans↗

Emergency pneumonectomy for penetrating and blunt trauma.

Emergency pneumonectomy for penetrating and blunt trauma has an attendant high mortality. Patients with major lung injuries presenting with prolonged shock followed by control of bleeding, resuscitation with or without aortic cross-clamping and pneumonectomy have had uniformly unsatisfactory results. From 1972 to 1982, eight patients at the University of Louisville Hospital underwent emergency pneumonectomy. All patients underwent expeditious evaluation, resuscitation, and thoracotomy with pneumonectomy. Three patients died of exsanguination (2 patients had major associated intra-abdominal injuries). Three other patients died due to pulmonary edema and right ventricular failure 2 to 3 hours after hemorrhage had been controlled and intravascular volume restored. Aortic cross-clamping was employed in four patients due to persistent hypovolemia with 100 per cent mortality. Of the two surviving patients, one presented with stable blood pressure and had pneumonectomy for tracheobronchial disruption, while the other had pneumonectomy for tangential laceration of the lung at the hilum. Pulmonary edema and right ventricular failure were responsible for mortality following emergency pneumonectomy and control of hemorrhage and restoration of blood volume. The addition of aortic cross-clamping did not seem to alter survival and may, indeed, hinder therapy due to increased vascular afterload and increased heart failure and pulmonary edema.

Adult↗