Open    Access



Early Outcome, Mortality and Major Morbidity after Lung Cancer Surgery for Primary Carcinoma



Author(s)

F. Gradica, L. Lisha, Dh. Argjiri, A. Cani, F. Kokici, F. L. Gradica, I. Skenduli, E. Shehaj, V. Rexha and D. Lala

Full-Text PDF XML     550 Views

DOI:10.17265/2328-7136/2018.03.014

University Hospital of Lung Disease, “Sh. Ndroqi” Tirana, Albania

Background: Radical surgical resection of lung cancer with or without adjuvant treatment is still a prerequisite for cure. Advances in operative and postoperative care led to a decline in complications and mortality rates during the last decades. In spite of different additional modes of treatment, survival is still poor. Methods: We analyzed 968 patients who underwent lung resection for bronchial carcinoma, with non-small cell lung cancer during a 12-year period (January 2004-December 2017). Postoperative events studied were divided into major and minor complications or death during the first 30 days after surgery. Results: Of 968 patient, 690 (70.5%) were male and 278 (28.7%) female. Mean age 65.5 ± 9.4 years (range: 15-87 years). Lobectomy was the most used surgical modality in 566 (58.5%) patients, meanwhile pneumonectomy was performed in 112 (11.6%) of patients. Minor complications during surgery occurred in 45 (11.7%) of patients. Continuous air leakage was the most complication after surgery in 25.3%, followed by lung atelectasis in 21.3% and cardiovascular complications in 17%. Of the life threatening complications respiratory failure was the most events in 20.0% of patients, followed by broncho-pleural fistula in 18.7% and pulmonary edema in 15% of patients. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.8% (37) patients, 1.2% after single lobectomy and 13.4 % after pneumonectomy. Conclusion: Our results show low mortality and morbidity after lung cancer surgery. However, patients with reduced lung capacity, older age and those undergoing pneumonectomy should be treated with great care.

Outcome, complications, lung cancer, thoracic surgery.