[The value of extended resection in locally advanced bronchial carcinoma]

A retrospective study on 68 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by extended resections is presented. Compared to simple resections extended resections carried a higher risk for postoperative complications, whereas 30-days-mortality was not influenced by type of resection. Analysis of survival rates after extended resections revealed no influence by T- or N-stage, whereas a residual tumor lowered the survival rates significantly. Overall, a 2-year-survival rate of 35% was observed after extended resections. In conclusion, even in locally advanced cases of NSCLC a resection with curative intent seems to be warranted, provided that a R0-stage can be achieved by surgery.