Can pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer be avoided? An audit of parenchymal sparing lung surgery

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer resection rates are suboptimal in the UK. Pneumonectomy has a higher perioperative mortality risk than lobectomy. To increase resection rates and improve outcomes we have implemented a policy of parenchymal sparing surgery for tumours involving a main stem bronchus. METHODS: In a prospective 4 year study of 119 consecutive patients operated upon by a single surgeon the perioperative course, pathology and survival were compared for 81 patients undergoing pneumonectomy and 38 patients in whom pneumonectomy was avoided by bronchoplastic+/-angioplastic procedures. RESULTS: The rate of pneumonectomy decreased significantly with increasing experience with parenchymal sparing surgery (R(2)=0.98, P<0.001) with 21 of the last 30 patients (70%) avoiding pneumonectomy. There were no significant inter-group differences in patient characteristics, perioperative course or outcome. One-year survival was 64% after pneumonectomy and 73% after sleeve lobectomy. However the perioperative loss of respiratory function was significantly lower in the patients in whom pneumonectomy was avoided (P=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonectomy can be avoided in a large proportion of patients with non-small cell lung cancer of a main stem bronchus without adversely affecting outcome but with preservation of lung function