Bilobectomy in a 90-year-old patient

A 90-year-old patient was admitted to our clinic after two weeks of dangerously increasing hemoptysis. Bronchoscopy showed the segment bronchi of the right lower lobe to be subtotally occluded by a tumour. A biopsy was not taken because of simultaneous bleeding. After weighing the risks, surgery was decided on despite the advanced age of the patient. The centralized position of the tumour necessitated a bilobectomy. Histology showed a small-cell bronchial carcinoma T2N1M0. After initial secretion retention and mild transitional syndrome, the postoperative course was uncomplicated. Four weeks after surgery, the patient could be transferred to his local hospital where he was discharged home after a further two months. There was no reappearance of hemoptysis. At the last check-up, one year postoperatively, there was no tumour recurrence. The patient lives alone in his flat as prior to surgery. This case shows that, in individual patients, larger pulmonary resections are also possible and justified in the tenth decade of life.