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Clinical surveillance testing after lung cancer operations
K S Naunheim1, K S Virgo, M A Coplin
1Department of Surgery, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, Missouri 63110-0250, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Thoracic surgeons vary widely in their lung cancer surveillance practices and beliefs about its effectiveness. Many doubt routine testing improves survival, citing reasons like patient rapport and medicolegal concerns.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
Background:
- The optimal surveillance strategy after lung cancer surgery remains undefined.
- Routine clinical surveillance testing has significant patient and societal implications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize current lung cancer follow-up practices among thoracic surgeons.
- To understand the rationale behind routine clinical surveillance testing.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to members of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.
- 2,009 responses were collected, with 768 surgeons providing long-term follow-up for lung cancer patients.
Main Results:
- Common follow-up methods include clinic visits, chest roentgenography, CBC, liver function tests, and chest CT.
- Frequency of most tests decreases over 5 years; sputum cytology and chest MRI are exceptions.
- Fewer than half of surgeons believe surveillance improves survival, with significant variation in perceived benefits and rationale.
Conclusions:
- Current lung cancer surveillance practices among thoracic surgeons show considerable variation.
- The perceived survival benefit of routine surveillance testing is low among practicing surgeons.