Application of intrapericardial pneumonectomy in locally advanced lung cancer

Abstract

Objective To probe into the indication, operative skill of intrapericardial pneumonectomy, the prevention and cure in postoperative complication of intrapericardial pneumonectomy for locally advanced lung canc-er. Methods The clinical data of 43 cases of locally advanced lung cancer undergoing intrapericardial pneumonec-tomy from February 1998 to November 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Results No surgical death occurred. The main postoperative complication was arrhythmia, acute pulmonary edema and pneumonia, with incidence as 41. 86%. The 1-,3- and 5-year postoperative survival rate was 79.1% ,30.2% and 11.6%. Conclusions The intrap-ericardial pneumonectomy skill not only can improve resection rate, reduce exploration rate, but also offer more oppor-tunity of further therapy in a part of locally advanced lung cancer. Key words: Lung neoplasma; Intrapericardium; Pneumonectomy