The effectiveness of standardized follow-up studies after resection of non-small cell bronchial carcinoma

Abstract

The outcomes of 190 patients in whom a non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma had been resected with curative intent in the Department of Surgery, University of Cologne, between 1. 1. 1977 and 31. 12. 1987 were analysed retrospectively. Sixty-seven (35%) of these patients underwent regular, 64 (34%) irregular, and 59 (31%) no standardized follow-up programmes. During follow-up procedures tumour recurrences were detected in 33 patients (25%). Thirteen (39%) of these recurrences were completely asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Three recurrences (9%) were resected with curative intent, but the patients died between 14 and 17 months later due to recurrent disease. Seven recurrences (21%) were treated by radiotherapy, three (9%) by chemotherapy, and 20 patients (61%) received no oncologic therapy. The survival rates after diagnosis of recurrence were not affected by the type of treatment or by the presence of clinical symptoms. There is no evidence that long-term results following resection of non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma can be improved by regular and standardized follow-up programmes. The observed incidence of postoperative pulmonary disorders and the patients' self-assessment underline the necessity for postoperative care after resection of bronchogenic carcinoma. Apart from clinical studies, follow-up should primarily focus on individual symptoms and should no longer include standardized investigations in asymptomatic patients except occasional X-ray checks of the thorax.