Postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in non-intubated lung resection surgery

Introduction: The postoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and change in NLR (ΔNLR) can predict survival in patients after complete resection of stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-intubated thoracic surgery has been performed recently. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative NLR and ΔNLR between intubated and non-intubated patients. Methods: This prospective randomized-controlled study included 40 patients who underwent surgical resection for stage I NSCLC. Differential counts of leukocytes were obtained before anesthesia, at the end of surgery, and 24 hours after surgery. Preoperative and postoperative NLR and ΔNLR were compared between intubated and non-intubated patients. Results: Preoperative values were similar in two groups. In both groups, total leukocyte, neutrophil count and NLR increased, and lymphocyte count decreased after surgery (Fig. 1). Postoperative NLR and ΔNLR were significantly lower in non-intubated patients compared to intubated patients (Fig. 2). Conclusions: Postoperative NLR and ΔNLR were significantly lower in non-intubated patients compared to intubated patients during lung resection surgery.