Surgical results of lung cancer associated with postobstructive pneumonia.

PURPOSE

We report surgical results of lung cancer associated with postobstructive pneumonia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report on morbidity and mortality, and we analyze the risk factors for them and the prognostic factors for overall survival of patients without mortality.

RESULTS

Morbidity developed in 13 of the 38 patients (34.2%). Mortality rate was 10.5%. Hemoglobin concentration before surgery and predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second were significantly low in patients with morbidity and mortality based on the univariate analyses. Predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second was a significant risk factor for morbidity based on a multivariate analysis. Poor prognostic factors for overall survival were serum albumin concentration, hemoglobin concentration, and performance status before surgery, combined resection, and pathological stage. Serum albumin concentration was significant based on a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Morbidity and mortality are high in patients with lung cancer associated with postobstructive pneumonia. Morbidity demonstrates significant association with low predicted postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second and hemoglobin concentration, indicating the need for preoperative transfusion in severe anemia or bronchoplasty if possible. Poor nutritional state before surgery possibly derived from cachexia may influence not only morbidity and mortality, but also prognosis.