Changes in hemodynamics in patients who underwent extended mediastinal lymphadenectomy through median sternotomy for primary lung cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Extended bilateral mediastinal lymphadenectomy (ND3alpha) through median sternotomy for lung cancer has been reported to show longer survival compared to that after ipsilateral mediastinal lymphadenectomy (ND2a) through posterolateral thoracotomy for node-positive lung cancer. However, a high incidence of morbidity or mortality has also been found. The present prospective study was conducted to clarify the influence of this procedure on the hemodynamics as one of the factors influencing postoperative course.
METHODS: Between December 1999 and January 2001, at the Nippon Medical School Hospital, 10 patients underwent pulmonary resection with ND2a through a posterolateral thoracotomy, while another 10 patients underwent pulmonary resection with ND3alpha through median sternotomy. Changes in the hemodynamics were evaluated preoperatively and at 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively.
RESULTS: Those who underwent ND3alpha showed higher peripheral vascular resistance for 24 hours postoperatively resulting from the longer surgery and increased blood loss, than those who underwent ND2a. The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was elevated in those who underwent ND3alpha comparing to that in those who underwent ND2a. Stroke index decreased in patients who underwent NDalpha comparing to that in those who underwent ND2a. Even though the right ventricular ejection fraction showed minimal change, both the ventricular stroke work indices were depressed at 48 hours postoperatively in patient who underwent ND3alpha.
CONCLUSION: ND3alpha was concluded to have affected the cardiopulmonary circulation, compared to ND2a, and to be more invasive than ND2a. To perform ND3alpha, preoperative patient selection is an important factor to archive the advantage of increased survival by this procedure.