A high performance fighter pilot case of pulmonary adenocarcinoma returned to flight after radical operation and literatures review

Abstract

Objective This paper is to explore the aeromedical evaluation standard of the high performance fighter pilot with pulmonary adenocarcinoma after pulmonary lobectomy. Methods Based on the information of clinical diagnosis, treatment, recovery, aeromedical evaluation, re-flight status of a male high performance fighter pilot with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, we reviewed some literatures, and explored the medical evaluation of the high performance fighter pilot after pulmonary lobeetomy. Results With a solitary pulmonary nodule for 10 years, the patient had no chiefcomplaint. And there was no symptom on him. Lung cancer was diagnosed by examination of computed tomography(CT) and positron emission tomography(PET). Lobectomy of inferior lobe of left lung and radical correction of lymph node were operated. The pathological diagnosis was well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. However neither the radiotherapy nor the chemotherapy was adopted.After one-year medical observation, there was no evidence that the cancer recurrence or metastasis.Because the cardiorespiratory function and the G-tolerance of the patient were examined and qualified,he was allowed to returned to flight and had navigated the high performance fighter for 65 hours in thenext 12 months. Then he returned the hospital to reexamined, and there was no evident clinical abnormity to be found again. Conclusions After the pulmonary lobectomy, there is no evidence that the cancer recurrence or metastasis, The evaluation of the cardiorespiratory function and G-tolerance are examined and qualified, the high performance fighter pilot could be qualified for flying. Key words: Carcinoma, bronchogenic; Pulmonary surgical procedures; Diagnostic imaging; Case report; Eligibility determination