Complications of surgery in the treatment of lung cancer: their relationship with the extent of resection and preoperative respiratory function tests.

We reviewed our experience with the surgical treatment of lung cancer, in order to investigate if the extent of the pulmonary resection and preoperative respiratory function tests correlate with the frequency of postoperative complications. The records of 292 patients who underwent lobectomy and of 64 who had pneumonectomy were analyzed. Postoperative complications developed in 148 patients. The incidence of bronchopleural fistula and cardiac rhythm disturbances was significantly higher after pneumonectomy than after lobectomy. A significant relationship was found between the preoperative ventilatory function tests and the postoperative frequency of intrapleural air spaces or atelectasis. The 30 day operative mortality was significantly related to the extent of the resection; postoperative deaths due to cardiorespiratory insufficiency were also associated to the severity of the obstructive pulmonary disease.