Outcomes of pulmonary resection in single-lung patients

Background: After pneumonectomy, the development of a new lung cancer or a recurrence in the residual lung is a challenge. Surgery often is considered contraindicated. The goal of our study is to assess the morbidity and mortality of lung resection on a single lung. Methods: All patients who underwent lung resection after pneumonectomy from January 1996 through December 2012 were reviewed. Results: There were 12 patients (10 men and 2 women). Mean age was 71 years (range, 54-81 years). Mean preoperative FEV1 was 1470 ml (52%) and preoperative FVC 2153 ml (61,5%). Subsequent pulmonary resection was performed after a median follow-up of 34,5 months. Wedge resection was performed in all patients. Diagnosis was pulmonary mestastatic lung cancer in 2 patients, metachronous lung cancer in 6, metastatic extrathoracic cancer in 3 and benign nodule in one. Complications occurred in 4 patients (33,4%) while operative mortality was nil. Conclusions: Lung resection on a single lung is a safe procedure associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Careful patient selection is very important. (C) 2014 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.