[Pneumonectomy combined with partial resection of left atrium in the treatment of stage IIIb bronchogenic carcinoma].

From April, 1988 to April, 1992, Pneumonectomy combined with resection of a part of left atrium in the treatment of patients with stage IIIb bronchogenic carcinoma was carried out in 5 cases because that the base of the pulmonary vein or adjacent left atrium were invaded by lung cancer. The surgical indications, surgical techniques, and the main points of perioperative management are discussed. The authors emphasize that the left atrium should be resected first before the pulmonary artery and bronchus are divided; that the tumor tissue should be resected completely and the healthy left atrium be reserved if possible; and the resection of the left atrium should not be more than one third of it. Pulmonary edema and respiratory failure often occur in the postoperative period, and its severity and morbidity are heavier than those patients with pneumonectomy alone. Therefore, postoperative management is of great importance. The postoperative survivals in this group are as follows: 2 cases survived more than 4 years; 1 more than 2 years; 1 over 10 months and another one 4 months.