Results of pneumonectomy for cancer in patients with limited ventilatory function

It is well established that patients with compromised pulmonary function have a greater incidence of morbidity and mortality following lung resection. The prognosis of 36 (9.7%) patients with poor respiratory function (forced expiratory volume in ls (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC (forced vital capacity) ratio were equal to or less than 50% of the predicted value) of a total of 369 patients who underwent pneumonectomy due to non-small cell lung carcinoma over 10 years were reviewed. All but three patients were male with a median age of 62.5 years. Right pneumonectomy was carried out in 12 (33%) and left in 24 (67%) patients. Median FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were 1.51 (46%) and 46.5% respectively. Three (8%) patients died within 30 days of surgery. The postoperative complication rate in patients with poor respiratory function was 44%. Nine (27%) of the hospital survivors died due to non-malignant causes (recurrent chest infection/respiratory failure) and 12 (36%) due to recurrent tumour. The cause of death in one patient was second primary lung tumour and it was unknown in three (9%) patients. Eight (24%) long-term surviving patients did not have severe respiratory symptoms; their FEV1 and FEV1/FVC were remeasured and revealed a median 1.05 l (38%) and 50%, respectively of the predicted value. Actuarial 5-year survival was 29%. Poor respiratory function is associated with postoperative complications and non-malignant deaths arising secondary to respiratory failure. The survival profile demonstrates that patients were successfully treated with pneumonectomy and suggests that surgery should not be withheld from those with limited lung function if detailed investigations predict adequate residual lung function.