Cancer resection on the residual lung after pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
After pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma, the residual lung may be the site of a new lung cancer or metastatic spread.


METHODS
From 1989 to 1995, 13 patients with carcinoma on the residual lung after pneumonectomy for lung cancer were operated on. Three segmentectomies and 7 simple wedge resections were performed, 2 patients had multiple wedge resections, and 1 patient had an exploratory thoracotomy. Nine patients had a primary metachronous bronchogenic carcinoma, 3 had metastases from bronchogenic carcinoma, and no definite conclusion was reached in 1 case.


RESULTS
No postoperative mortality was observed. Four patients had postoperative complications. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 14 days. Seven patients are alive, including 5 patients without evidence of disease. Six patients died of their disease, all with pulmonary recurrences. The overall median survival was 19 months, with a probability of survival at 3 years (Kaplan-Meier) of 46% (95% confidence interval, 22% to 73%).


CONCLUSIONS
Limited pulmonary resection for lung cancer after pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma is feasible with very low morbidity. In highly selected patients, surgical resection might prolong survival.
Spaggiari
L
L
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France.
Grunenwald
D
D
Girard
P
P
Baldeyrou
P
P
Filaire
M
M
Dennewald
G
G
Saint-Maurice
O
O
Tric
L
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000401:mortality / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000601:surgery; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D015996:Survival Rate