Indications for pneumonectomy. Pneumonectomy for malignant disease.

The anatomic extent of a pulmonary malignancy usually dictates the need for pneumonectomy to achieve a complete resection. The requirement for a pneumonectomy can frequently be predicted by accurate clinical staging, but may also be required due to intraoperative findings relating to tumor invasion or nodal spread. Completion pneumonectomy is usually reserved for locally recurrent lung cancer or early to late complications following pulmonary resection. Malignant involvement of the carina frequently requires sleeve pneumonectomy.