PNEUMONECTOMY

The most common cause that forces the Thoracic Surgeon to perform pneumonectomy is lung cancer (Bronchogenic Carcinoma). More than 1,2 million of new cases of lung cancer annually are diagnosed all over the world. More than 180.000 are in Europe and 160.000 in USA. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death in both sexes when it is related to malignant diseases. Surgical treatment is the most effective mean of treatment, especially for the early stages which offers long-term survival.
The resection of one of the two lungs that the human being has, is safe and compatible with life, with almost postoperative activity, on the condition that a serious and extensive preoperative evaluation preceded the operation with results that show efficient pulmonary and cardiac reserves.
Pneumonectomy as a treatment for bronchogenic carcinoma was performed for the first time in 1933 by Dr. Graham E. and nowadays it is indicated, whenever there is a central tumour or a tumour that invades the two lobes of the lung (upper and lower). Also pneumonectomy is needed in case of existence of infiltrated and fixed hilar lymph nodes. This operation is indicated very rarely as a treatment for benign pathology of the lungs. Perioperative morbidity and mortality have decreased significantly because of the advances in surgical and anesthesia techniques as well as due to better preoperative assessment and better postoperative support.