[Results of surgery in non-small cell lung cancer]

Two hundred and nine patients with non-small cell lung cancer underwent surgical treatment from January, 1978 to December, 1987 at the Kochi Municipal Hospital. There were 126 men and 83 women, varying in age from 36 to 85 years. The post-surgical stage distribution was as follows: 121 patients with Stage I, 22 with Stage II, 43 with Stage IIIA, 14 with Stage IIIB and 9 with Stage IV. The 5 year survival rate was 54% for all patients and only 3 patients of them (1.4%) died within the first month following operation. The 5 year survival rate was 71% for Stage I, 22% for Stage II, 38% for Stage IIIA, 36% for Stage IIIB and 25% for Stage IV. The 5 year survival rate was 66% for absolutely curative operation, 46% for relatively curative operation, 55% for relatively noncurative operation and 19% for absolutely noncurative operation. This series have 41 patients (19.6%) over 70 years old, and the 3 year and the 5 year survival rates for this high age group were 58% and 40%, respectively. Statistically, there was no significant difference in survival rate between this high age group and the younger group. Our successful experiences of the bronchoplastic procedures, extended resections and limited operations were also reported.