[Nontypical limited resection of the lung].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of limited resection in the treatment of lung disease.

METHOD

From 1989 to 1996, 46 limited resections were performed on 35 patients with lung diseases. All patients were followed up for 0.5 to 7 years (mean 29.3 months).

RESULT

There were no operative deaths and operative complications. In 16 patients with benign lung diseases, no recurrences and late complications were found. In 5 patients with primary lung cancers, 2 died 1.5 and 2 years after operation, respectively, and 3 are still living well for 2.5, 4 and 5 years postoperatively. In 14 patients with metastatic lung diseases (10 with bilateral multiple metastases), 216 metastatic lesions were excised. 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 78.5%, 50% and 21.4% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Limited lung resection could be an additional option and a surgical alternative to conventional lung resection for some compromised patients.