Pneumonectomy for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths and its incidence continues to increase. Emerging therapies as part of a multimodal approach are making more patients eligible for surgical resection. As more surgeons are treating locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer they find themselves recommending pneumonectomy as the surgical component of the multidisciplinary plan. Performing a pneumonectomy is technically demanding and is associated with many potential perioperative comorbidities. With the proper preparation, experience, and attention to perioperative care, pneumonectomy can be carried out safely with excellent outcomes and a good quality of life.