Our Summary

This research paper is about a surgical procedure that is done to remove tumors from the main blood vessel in the lung (known as the pulmonary artery). This operation is often done to avoid having to remove the entire lung, a procedure known as a pneumonectomy.

The researchers looked at 34 cases between 2000 and 2018 where this operation was done. They found that the surgery can be done safely, with no patients dying during the operation and only one death occurring 47 days after the surgery.

However, the surgery had a high rate of complications, with about 61.8% of patients experiencing some form of problem after the operation. Despite this, none of the patients required a pneumonectomy after the operation.

The five-year survival rate for patients who underwent this operation was 33%, meaning that one-third of the patients were still alive five years after the procedure. They also found that patients who had a specific type of operation, known as a bronchial sleeve resection, in addition to the pulmonary artery surgery were more likely to be free of disease five years after the operation.

The researchers conclude that this type of surgery could be a safe option for patients who are eligible for a pneumonectomy. They also emphasize the importance of systemic therapy (treatment that reaches and affects the entire body, like chemotherapy), as the majority of disease recurrence was found in distant parts of the body, rather than near the original tumor site.

FAQs

  1. What is the survival rate for patients who undergo a surgery to remove tumors from the pulmonary artery?
  2. What is the complication rate for this type of surgery?
  3. How does a bronchial sleeve resection in addition to the pulmonary artery surgery affect the patient’s likelihood of being disease-free five years after the operation?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to follow a comprehensive post-operative care plan to minimize the risk of complications and improve recovery. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, engaging in physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises, and making healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking and eating a nutritious diet. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung resection surgery, specifically for pulmonary artery tumors, include those who have localized disease that is still resectable, have good overall health and lung function, and are able to tolerate surgery and potential post-operative complications. Additionally, patients who have tumors that are invading the pulmonary artery but can be safely removed without the need for a pneumonectomy may also be good candidates for this type of surgery.

It is important for patients to be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers, including surgeons, oncologists, and pulmonologists, to determine if lung resection surgery is the best treatment option for them. Factors such as the size and location of the tumor, the patient’s overall health and lung function, and the potential risks and benefits of the surgery must be carefully considered before recommending this procedure.

Overall, lung resection surgery for pulmonary artery tumors can be a safe and effective treatment option for select patients, with the potential for good long-term outcomes and disease-free survival. However, close monitoring and follow-up care are essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients who undergo this type of surgery.

Timeline

Before the lung resection, the patient will typically undergo various tests and evaluations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the surgery. This may include imaging tests, lung function tests, and blood work. The patient will also meet with their surgical team to discuss the procedure and potential risks and benefits.

After the surgery, the patient will typically spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring and recovery. They may experience pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing in the immediate post-operative period. Physical therapy may be recommended to help with breathing exercises and mobility.

In the weeks and months following the surgery, the patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgical team to monitor their recovery and assess for any complications. They may also undergo additional imaging tests to check for disease recurrence.

Over time, the patient’s lung function and overall health will gradually improve. They may experience improvements in symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. The five-year survival rate will be monitored to assess the long-term success of the surgery.

Overall, the patient will experience a journey of pre-operative evaluations, surgery, recovery, and long-term monitoring to ensure the success of the lung resection procedure.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery, specifically in the context of removing tumors from the main blood vessel in the lung (pulmonary artery)?

  2. How many of these surgeries have you performed in the past, and what is your success rate with this specific type of lung resection surgery?

  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan for this type of surgery?

  4. Are there any specific factors that may make me a better or worse candidate for this type of lung resection surgery?

  5. What are the long-term outcomes and survival rates associated with this type of surgery, particularly in comparison to other treatment options such as pneumonectomy?

  6. Are there alternative treatment options available for my condition, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option?

  7. How important is systemic therapy, such as chemotherapy, in preventing disease recurrence after this type of surgery?

  8. What follow-up care and monitoring will be necessary after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcomes?

  9. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions that I should take after the surgery to optimize my recovery and reduce the risk of complications?

  10. Can you provide me with any additional resources or information to help me better understand and prepare for this type of lung resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Madariaga MLL, Geller A, Lanuti M, Ott H, Allan JS, Donahue DM, Mathisen DJ, Wright CD, Gaissert HA. Journal: Ann Thorac Surg. 2019 Dec;108(6):1692-1700. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2019.05.079. Epub 2019 Jul 20. PMID: 31336066