Background: To summarize the results of extended resection of the heart, great vessels, or both in the treatment of 349 patients with locally advanced lung cancer.
Methods: From February , 1983 to December, 2000, lobectomy or pneumonectomy combined with extended resection of the heart, great vessels or both were carried out in 349 patients with locally advanced lung cancer. The operations included bronchoplastic procedures and pulmonary artery reconstruction in 205 cases, extended resection of left atrium in 75 cases, superior vena cava resection and reconstruction in 65 cases ( 3 patients had carina resection and reconstruction simultaneously) , and aorta resection and reconstruction in 4 cases respectively.
Results: There were two operative death. The operative mortality was 0. 6% in the series. Fifty-three patients had operative complications. The 1, 3, 5 and 10-year survival rates were 79. 36%, 59. 93%, 33. 14% and 23. 56% respectively.
Conclusions: Extended resection of the heart, great vessels or both can remarkably increase the long-term survival and improve the prognosis in patients with locally advanced lung cancer. Lobectomy or pneumonectomy combined with extended resection of the heart, great vessels in the treatment of locally advanced lung cancer.