BACKGROUNDSurgical resection becomes standard treatment for pulmonary metastatic tumor with operative indication. The aim of this study is to analyze the indication and surgical efficacy of pulmonary metastasectomy.

METHODSFrom November 1991 to May 2003, a total of 26 patients with pulmonary metastatic tumors were treated surgically in our hospital, 12 cases were males and 14 females, with an average age of 50 years old. The metastatic tumors came from different organs and tissues, 5 cases accompanied by metastatic tumors of liver or brain.

RESULTSFour cases underwent pneumonectomy, 8 lobectomy, and 14 wedge resection (in which 8 cases underwent mildly invasive operation using video-assisted thoracic surgery). No operative death occurred. 5-year survival rate was 27.3% (3/11), 2-year survival rate 42.9% (9/21) and 1-year survival rate 69.2% (18/26).

CONCLUSIONSPulmonary metastasectomy is recommended in pulmonary metastases with operative indication, and is still effective in cases accompanied by resectable metastatic tumors of liver or brain. Mildly invasive operation using video-assisted thoracic surgery might be chosen for some cases with single metastatic locus.