Pulmonary artery reconstruction in organ-preserving surgeries for lung cancer

The purpose of the study was to analyze immediate outcomes of pulmonary artery reconstruction for lung cancer in terms of safety, functional feasibility and quality of life. Material and Methods. From 2009 to 2016, the study included 183 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (156 men and 27 women, median age: 58.4 ± 12.3 years). Angioplasty lobectomy was performed in 92 cases and pneumonectomy in 91 cases. Results. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were observed in 23 (25 %) cases after angioplasty lobectomy and in 36 (39.6 %) cases after pneumonectomy. Three (3.3 %) patients died after angioplasty lobectomy and 7 (7.7 %) after pneumonectomy. When comparing the parameters of the external respiration function after surgery, it was found that after angioplastic lobectomy, FEV1 decreased by 0.69 (27 %) liters 1 year after surgery, VC decreased by 1.17 (32.9 %) liters, and FLC reduced by 0,64 (20.5 %) liters. After removal of the lung, reduction in these parameters was, respectively, 1.02 (42 %); 1.53 (43.8 %); 1.24 (40.3 %) liters. The main SF36 questionnaire parameters were higher in the group of angioplasty lobectomy than in the group of pneumonectomy. Conclusion. Pulmonary artery reconstruction for lung cancer is safe, with low morbidity and mortality. This technique is an effective alternative to pulmonectomy in lung cancer surgery.