Short-and long-term outcomes of pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer

Objective To assess the mortality, complications and major morbidity of pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC) and to establish the importance of various prognostic factors. Methods The data of 64 consecutive patients who underwent pneumonectomy for NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. Results The 30-day mortality rate was 7.8%(5/64). Complications developed in 29.7%(19/64) and overall 5-year survival was 19.0%.Pathological stage Ⅲ(P=0.030) and right pneumonectomy(P=0.010) were independent risk factors of an adverse outcome.Survival was not significantly influenced by histological types (P=0.125) or curability (P=0.587). Conclusion Pneumonectomy is associated with acceptable overall morbidity and mortality.However, the patients with pathological stage Ⅲ or right pneumonectomy require special consideration.Pneumonectomy should be performed only in selected patients. Key words: Pneumonectomy; Carcinoma, non-small-cell lung; Survival rate