Short-term survival after major pulmonary resections for bronchogenic carcinoma

From January 27, 1992 to December 12, 1994, 100 consecutive patients (86 men and 14 women) with a mean age of 62.5 years underwent lung resection for a non-small cell lung cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma was predominantly found (52%), followed by adenocarcinoma (23%) and large cell carcinoma (18%). Postoperative staging was Stage 0, 1 patient; Stage I, 57; Stage II, 17; Stage IIIa, 20 and Stage IIIb, 5. Thirty-day mortality was 4% (4 patients) with 10.7% for pneumonectomy and 0% for lobectomy or lesser resection. For the whole group 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 83%, 68% and 65% respectively. Survival rates for N0, N1 and N2 after 3 years were 70%, 59% and 54% respectively. In the univariate analysis, a trend to statistical significance was noted between N0 and N1 (p = 0.08). There was no difference in short-term survival between N0 and N2 which represents a highly selected group of patients with N2 disease. In the multivariate analysis the only two independent variables with impact on survival were number of pack-years and diameter of the tumour (p < 0.05). Ninety-two quality of life questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30) were sent to home physicians. We collected 31 questionnaires (34%) after 2.5 months. A clear relationship was not seen between complaints of pain or dyspnea and extent of resection or lung function postoperatively. Instead, the global quality of life seemed to be influenced by the extent of resection to the advantage of a lobectomy and disadvantage of a pneumonectomy. Difficulties related to quality of life analysis are discussed and future directions are given.