Completion right lower lobectomy for recurrence after left pneumonectomy for metastases

Abstract

Resection of pulmonary recurrences on the residual lung after pneumonectomy for metastases is exceptional. A 37-year-old woman was submitted to left extended pleuro-pneumonectomy after left leg amputation for fibrosarcoma. At 43 months later, a wedge resection on the right lower lobe was performed followed 32 months later by a further wedge resection in the same lobe. A completion right lower lobectomy for a new recurrence was performed 17 months after the last pulmonary resection. The patient did not develop postoperative complications. She is still alive and free of disease 10 years and 9 months after pneumonectomy and 36 months after completion lobectomy on the residual lung. In highly selected patients, aggressive surgery for metastases on the residual lung can be successfully performed and it can improve survival.