Median sternotomy versus thoracotomy to resect primary lung cancer: analysis of 815 cases

摘要: Abstract Background . We sought to determine if median sternotomy (MS) is an equivalent incision thoracotomy (TH) in the treatment of primary pulmonary carcinoma. Methods followed 801 patients undergoing 815 operations for lung carcinoma a computer registry; 447 had MS, 368 TH. Results Both groups were similar preoperative risk assessment. Complete staging lymph node dissections performed 42% MS and 17% TH patients. Operative mortality (3.8% 3.3% TH) postoperative complications similar. shorter hospital stay (7.5 days vs 8.2 days). One hundred thirty-nine underwent pneumonectomy. was 12.5% 10.4% TS ( p = NS). Five eighty-one lobectomy with operative 2.1% 2.0% Mean length 7.5 compared 8.5 0.06). Follow-up 89% through 1998, comprising 1,339 1,463 patient-years. Survival stage I at 5 10 years, respectively, 51% 34% 54% 32% other stages also Conclusions Median provides more complete staging, hospitalization, better patient acceptance long-term survival when thoracotomy. Concerns regarding increased wound infections appear unfounded.