OBJECTIVESTo identify predictors of survival following pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and provide evidence for the revision of patient selection criteria.

METHODS81 cases of pneumonectomy for NSCLC from January 1990 to May 1996 at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. There were 65 men (80.2%) and 16 women (19.8%), with a mean age 53.4 +/- 9.4 years (range 20 - 68 years). Predominant histological types included squamous cell carcinoma (54.3%), adenocarcinoma (24.7%), and squamoadenocarcinoma (17.3%). After follow-up for more than 5 years, data were examined using the chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox-mantel test. The possible factors affecting survival were tested with univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTSThe 5-year survival of N(0), N(1) and N(2) disease of NSCLC following pneumonectomy was (20.8 +/- 9.9)%, (15.4 +/- 10.0)% and (4.0 +/- 2.8)%, respectively. There was no perioperative death. The operative complications morbidity was 22.2%. Factors adversely affecting survival with univariate analysis included age over 60 years for right pneumonectomy, cardiopulmonary complications, adenocarcinoma, peripheral location, tumor greatest dimension more than 10 cm, chest wall involvement and N(2) disease. Factors adversely affecting survival with multivariate analysis included cardiopulmonary complications, greatest tumor dimension more than 10 cm, chest wall involvement and N(2) disease.

CONCLUSIONSPneumonectomy provides survival benefit with a high operative complications morbidity. Old age (>/= 60 years) for right pneumonectomy, cardiopulmonary complications, adenocarcinoma, and N(2) disease may be negative prognostic factors of long-term survival. Patient selection should be based on cardiopulmonary evaluation and the stage of disease.