Pneumonectomy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and its incidence continues to increase. Emerging therapies as part of a multimodal approach are making more patients eligible for surgical resection. As more surgeons are treating locally advanced non–small cell lung cancer they find themselves recommending pneumonectomy as the surgical component of the multidisciplinary plan. Performing a pneumonectomy is technically demanding and is associated with many potential perioperative comorbidities. With the proper preparation, experience, and attention to perioperative care, pneumonectomy can be carried out safely with excellent outcomes and a good quality of life.

Key points

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The diagnosis and management of lung cancer requires a multimodal approach that often involves surgical resection.
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Accurate preoperative staging is essential in selecting patients who would benefit the most from pneumonectomy.
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Pneumonectomy is usually indicated when tumors are centrally located, involving the hilum, or as part of a multimodal approach to locally advanced tumors.
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Pneumonectomy is a difficult and technically demanding operation associated with a high rate of perioperative morbidity.