Long-term quality of life after lung resection.

Several studies have shown that physical domains of QOL deteriorate early after lung cancer surgery but improve to baseline by 6 months after surgery. Impaired cardiopulmonary function following pulmonary resection is an important predictor of immediate postoperative morbidity; meanwhile, an objective assessment of pulmonary function did not significantly contribute to QOL in LTLC survivors. Chronic pain is the most common complication after lung cancer surgery. Lung cancer survivors do not experience the same length of life and QOL as their age-matched peers or other cancer survivors. Lung cancer patients are less well than survivors of other cancers because of the nature of the cancer and the smoking history. There is clearly a need to identify and intervene with subgroups of patients who are at an elevated risk of premature death and diminished QOL.