[Resection of the left atrium in lung cancer]

An analysis of results of surgical treatment of 28 patients with lung cancer who underwent resection of the left atrium has shown that squamous cell cancer was diagnosed in 18 patients (64%), adenocarcinoma--in 5 (18%), dimorphous cancer--in 2 (7%), mucoepidermoid cancer in 2 (7%), atypical carcinoid--in 1 patient (4%). The degree of regional lymphogenic spread of the tumor NO took place in 11 patients (39%), N1--in 6 patients (22%), N2--in 11(39%). True invasion of the tumor to the left atrium myocardium took place in 20 patients (71%), involvement of the pulmonary vein orifices in the tumor process--in 8 (29%). Resection of the atrium was made using mechanical suturing apparatuses. The right side resections were fulfilled in 16 patients (57%), left side resections in 12 patients (43%). Pneumonectomy was fulfilled in 26 patients (93%), lobectomy--in 2 patients (7%). The operative interventions in five cases (18%) were estimated as microscopically non-radical (R1). The average time in the intensive care unit after operation was 3 days (from 1 till 12), in the surgical thoracal department--18 days (from 13 till 37). In the early postoperative period one patient died (4%), complications were noted in 5 patients (18%). The total one year survival was 69%, three year survival--39%, 5 year survival--17%. The survival median was 23 months. Resection of the left atrium in the selected lung cancer patients was not followed by growing operative lethality and the acceptable long term results were obtained.