[Surgical treatment of lung cancer in elderly patients]

The study was concerned with ann analysis of the immediate and long-term results of surgical treatment of 263 lung cancer patients aged 60 years and older. Postoperative lethality rates were as follows: lung resection-5.4%, pneumonectomy-8.9 and extensive and combined pneumonectomy-27.2%. 35.1% survived 5 years and longer. Extensive and combined pneumonectomy gave poor immediate and long-term results in the above group. X-ray, broncho- and mediastinoscopy offer means for evaluation of mediastinal involvement to avoid the said procedures.