Surgery for pulmonary malignancies in patients with a previous history of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE

To examine the perioperative and long-term outcomes of surgery for malignancies of the lungs in patients with a history of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to evaluate the risk factors associated with postoperative complications.

METHODS

The data of 39 patients with a history of HNSCC who underwent pulmonary resection were reviewed. The perioperative and long-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight patients (21%) had difficult airways, and nine patients (23%) developed postoperative complications. A low body mass index (<18.5), a history of malignancy besides HNSCC and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were each found to be significantly associated with the development of postoperative complications. The 5-year survival rate of all patients was 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

The airway management of patients with a history of HNSCC should be carefully undertaken. Preoperative assessment of their nutritional status and careful prevention of air leakage during surgery are important. Because favorable outcomes can be achieved, aggressive surgical management should be considered for the treatment of pulmonary malignancies in patients with a history of HNSCC.