Pulmonary complications following major lung resection for benign and malignant lung diseases

Objective: To assess the incidence and to identify the possible associated risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications after major lung resection. Subjects and Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive patients undergoing major lung resection for benign and malignant lung disease over a 3-year period were included in the study. Preoperative assessment clinical parameters, intraoperative and postoperative events were recorded. Pulmonary complications were noted according to a precise definition. The risk of complications associated with age, comorbidity, forced vital capacity (FVC), blood transfusion and extended operation was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean age of the patients was 47.1 years ( range 16 80 years), 137 (77%) patients underwent lobectomy, 23 (14%) pneumonectomy, and 15 (9%) bilobectomy. Forty-six (27%) patients developed postoperative pulmonary complications and 2 (1.1%) died within 30 days following the operation. Age 6 65 years ( OR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.5 - 8.6, p = 0.002), the presence of comorbid cardiopulmonary disease ( OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.5, p = 0.001), FVC < 50% ( OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.8, p = 0.02), blood transfusion ( OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.4, p = 0.0001), and extended operation ( OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.07 - 0.6, p = 0.005) were the identified factors associated with the development of postoperative pulmonary complications, which necessitated an increased length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Postoperative pulmonary complications are more likely to develop in patients with age 6 65 years with comorbid cardiopulmonary disease, FVC ! 50%, blood transfusion, and extended operation. Copyright (C) 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.