[Results of pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer in Iceland].
OBJECTIVE
Study the indications, complications and surgical outcome of pneumonectomy for non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Iceland


METHODS
A retrospective study of all pneumonectomies performed for NSCLC in Iceland from 1988 to 2007. Information was obtained from medical records and data on operative indications, postoperative TNM stage, complications, survival and survival predictors was analysed.


RESULTS
77 patients (64% males) with mean age of 62.3 yrs. were operated on, 44% on the right side. Mediastinoscopy was performed in 31% of cases. Most patients were stage I or II (58%), but 17 and 21% were stage III A and IIIB, respectively. Mean operation time was 161 min., bleeding 1.1 L and hospital stay 11 days. Atrial fibrillation (21%), pneumonia (6.5%), empyema (5.5%) and respiratory failure (5%) were the most common complications. Three (3.9%) patients died within 30 days from surgery. Five year survival was 20.7%. Age, history of COPD, adenocarcinoma histology and advanced TNM stage were independent predictors of poor survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Pneumonectomies for NSCLC in Iceland have a low rate of complications and operative mortality. However, long term survival is lower than expected, and many patients (27%) were in advanced stages. This is most likely due to inadequate preoperative staging.
Thorsteinsson
Hunbogi
H
Laeknadeild HI, Landspitals Hringbraut, Reykjavik.
Jonsson
Steinn
S
Alfredsson
Hordur
H
Isaksson
Helgi J
HJ
Gudbjartsson
Tomas
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland / Q000453:epidemiology; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008481:Mediastinoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome