[The obstruction syndrome in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma]

In the period 1985-1990, 760 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma have been examined and treated at the Clinic of Lung Diseases of the Military Medical Academy. Obstruction syndrome was found in 64% of patients of whom 21% with severe obstruction. Pulmonary insufficiency, most commonly of milder, partial type, was found in 19% of patients. Due to the limited lung function as a consequence of chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) 45 patients with locally demarcated tumours were not operated, surgical resection was not possible. In the operated patients with obstruction syndrome the risk of postoperative complications was increased. COLD and limited lung function most commonly had not been the obstacle for application of radiotherapy of bronchogenic carcinoma.