[Surgical treatment of stage IIIA non-small-cell lung cancer]

Data on five-year survival were evaluated for 258 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (stage IIIA) (N2). In 155 patients (60%), N2 tumor was detected during surgery. Total resection was carried out in 179 (69.4%), subtotal--79 (30.6%). Total lymph node dissection was not employed in the latter group. Lateral thoracotomy was used in 213 cases. Transsternal procedure was performed in 45 cases of bulky tumor and extensive invasion of mediastinal fat. A comparison of five-year survival data failed to establish any relationship between survival and postoperative radiochemotherapy in radically-operated patients. It was found that surgery for non-small lung N2 tumors with mediastinal involvement is indicated and may be effective if total lymph node dissection is performed.