Pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma in the elderly

We have reviewed 70 consecutive elderly patients (70 years or older) who underwent pneumonectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma, in order to evaluate morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival. The majority of the patients had stage II (n = 32) or III (n = 25) disease. Fifteen deaths occurred in the peri-operative period (21%). Pre-operative factors associated with peri-operative death included a history of ischaemic heart disease (P = 0.001) and right-sided tumour (peri-operative mortality for right pneumonectomy = 37%, left pneumonectomy = 6%, P = 0.001). Poor lung function (as assessed by pre-operative spirometry), peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not significant risk factors for peri-operative death. Post-operatively, the requirement for ventilation, or the development of post-operative myocardial infarction, adult respiratory distress syndrome and respiratory failure were significantly associated with peri-operative death. Over 60% of the patients developed one or more complications. The absolute survival rates for operative survivors were 51% and 27% at 1 and 5 years, respectively (stage I, 60% and 40%; stage II, 63% and 33%; stage III 33% and 14%). The absolute overall survival rates were 40% and 21% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. We conclude that pneumonectomy is justified in elderly patients but right-sided lesions and ischaemic heart disease should be considered as relative contra-indications.