01-11-2018 | Original Article
Surgical outcomes and complications of pneumonectomy after induction therapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Published in: General Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery | Issue 11/2018
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Objectives
Although surgical resection after induction therapy (IT) for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a possible treatment option, pneumonectomy may be avoided owing to high-surgical risks. However, reports exist that pneumonectomy after IT has acceptable safety and favorable outcomes. We reviewed pneumonectomies after IT in terms of surgical outcomes, perioperative management, and complications.
Methods
Between April 2004 and March 2015, 15 consecutive pneumonectomies were performed for locally advanced NSCLC after IT. Surgical outcomes, perioperative management, and complications were retrospectively reviewed.
Results
Thirteen patients were men, and 6 pneumonectomies were right-sided. One pneumonectomy was performed after induction chemotherapy and 14 followed induction chemoradiation. In all 15 cases the bronchial stumps were covered with autologous tissues. Pedunculated mediastinal fat pad and pedunculated intercostal muscles were used in 4 and 11 cases, respectively. Although postoperative complications were seen in 12 patients (80.0%), with major complications (Clavien–Dindo classification ≥ IIIa) in 5 patients (33.3%), there were no deaths within 30 days after pneumonectomy. Overall 3- and 5-year survivals were 80.0 and 57.1%, respectively.
Conclusions
Owing to high-surgical risks and complication rates, careful surgical technique and postoperative management are essential for successful pneumonectomy after IT.