Completion pneumonectomy for recurrent non-small cell lung cancer: experience with 44 cases

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the indications, operative technique and result of completion pneunonectomy for recurrent non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Methods From January 1998 to December 2006, 44 patients with NSCLC underwent comple-tion pneumonectomy for their local recurrence. The 1-, 3- and 5- year survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Merier methods and the risk factors for survival were analysed. Results There was 1 patient died postoperatively with hospital mortality rate of 2.27%. The 1-, 3- and 5- year survival rates were 72.73%, 26.22% and 18.98% ,respectively. The median interval between two operations was the important risk factor for survival after the completion pneumonectomy. Conclusion Completion pneumonectomy for recurrent NSCLC is a safe surgical procedure and the long-term survival is acceptable though it has a relatively high mortality and morbidity. Key words: Carcinorna; no-small-cell lung; Pneumonectomy; Neoplasm recurrence; local