[Detection of late lung cancer metastases]

The authors report the data on lung cancer metastases in abdominal and retroperitoneal space organs in 174 patients died due to postoperative complications during 2 months following resection of the lung. Distant metastases were recognized in 32 cases (18.3%). 29 of 49 metastases (58%) were detected in abdominal organs. In stages I-II remote metastases were found in 2 of 32 cases, in stage III--in 29 of 142 cases, i.e. 35 times as frequently. Laparoscopy and laparotomy, performed if indicated, are conclusive surgical methods of establishing the precise diagnosis of the tumor spread, and these allow the elaboration of a rational plan of treatment in lung cancer patients.