[Postoperative complications after radiochemotherapy or chemotherapy for bronchial cancers]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of lung cancer surgery, following induction chemo and/or radiotherapy.

This retrospective study included 69 patients treated from January 1990 to January 1998 for a primary lung cancer in whom surgery had been performed after induction treatment. Surgery had not been considered initially for the following reasons: N2 disease (IIIA; n = 25), temporary functional impairment (2 stages IB and 2 stages IIIA [N2]; n = 4); doubtful resectability (stage IIIB [T4]; n = 40). The medical regimen resulted in combined radio-chemotherapy in 43 patients who received 2 to 4 cycles of chemotherapy (average = 2.9 +/- 0.8 cycles) and 43 +/- 8 Gy (20 to 60 Gy), or chemotherapy alone in 26 patients (3 +/- 0.7 cycles).

Exploratory thoracotomy was performed in 4 patients (6%). The in-hospital mortality was 9% (n = 6) from respiratory origin in all cases. There were 4 reoperations (6%): 3 for bronchial fistula and 1 for bleeding. Thirty five patients (51%) required blood transfusion (4.5 +/- 3.8 cell packs). The incidence of early and delayed bronchial fistula after pneumonectomy was 15%. Thirteen patients had a postoperative pneumonia (19%).

Surgery for lung cancer after induction chemo and/or radiotherapy is associated with an increased risk. While the mortality seems "acceptable", the morbidity rate however is high.