BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the preoperative right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) as a predictor of postoperative complications after lung resection.

METHODSRVEF was consecutively assessed in 254 patients before pulmonary resection by echocardiography. According to preoperative right ventricular function, the patients were divided into: group Ia (n=82, RVEF≥45%), group Ib (n=92,RVEF < 45%), group Ic (n=42, RVEF < 40%),and group Id (n=38, RVEF≤35%). Postoperative RVEF was detected again in 122 patients 3 weeks later after lung resection.

RESULTSPreoperative RVEF of patients with postoperative complications was significantly higher than that of patitents without postoperative complications (P < 0.001). Among group Ia, Ib, Ic, and Id, there were significant differences in postoperative morbidities (P < 0.005). Patients with a preoperative RVEF less than 40% had a higher incidence of complications than those with RVEF over 40% (P < 0.005). Of the 122 patients, postoperative RVEF was remarkably lower than preoperative RVEF (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe preoperative RVEF may be a predictor of postoperative complications for lung resection. RVEF higher than 40% is considered as a safe range for pneumonectomy.