[Multi-operations for non-small cell lung cancer]

Experiences and results of multi-operations in order to raise the survival rate of advanced non-small cell lung cancer are presented.

Fifty-six operations were performed in 26 patients with recurrent, metastatic or second primary non-small cell lung cancer. The operative procedure and the postoperative complications were observed and survival was analysed with Kaplan-Meier of SPSS.

The postoperative complication rate of the first operation was 3.8%. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 83.5%, 58.4% and 35.7% respectively with a median survival of 46 months. The second postoperative complication rate was 26.9% and operative mortality was 11.5%. 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 55.8%, 17.1% and 17.1% respectively with a median survival of 15 months. The third for 2 cases survived 18 and 17 months respectively. The forth and fifth were carried out for the same patient all in the sixth month. The fifth operation gave a survival of 8 months.

Multi-operations for non-small cell lung cancer are still effective for recurrent, metastatic or second primary lung cancer. Simple spirometry is far from being satisfactory to evaluate pulmonary function for these patients. Meticulous attention must be paid to complication of respirative failure and infra-thoracic hemorrhage.