Author/Editor		Debevec, Lučka
Title		Vpliv eksplorativne torakotomije na dolžino in kakovost preživetja bolnikov s pljučnim rakom
Translated title		The influence of exploratory thoracotomy on the survival rate and quality of life in lung cancer patients
Type		monografija
Place		Ljubljana
Publisher		Univerza v Ljubljani, Medicinska fakulteta
Publication year		2006
Volume		str. 103
Language		slo
Abstract		Purpose. To evaluate the diagnostic procedures in exploratory thoracotomy (ET) patients, causes of unresectability of lung cancer and open-and-closed thoracotomy, correspondence of clinical and surgical staging, course of the disease after ET, the survival rate of ET patients comparing to eligible patients that were not operated on, and the influence of ET on quality of life (QoL) for resected and irradiated patients. Hypothesis. ET (1) did not prevent the further therapy, (2) did not significantly influence the survival rate, (3) did not impair QoL compared to resected and irradiated patients. I. The survival rate Background. In NSCLC, but also in SCLC combined with chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvant treatment, the best survival rates were achieved through resection. Therefore it is reasonable to search for patients with technically and medically operable tumours. Accurate staging and estimation of the capability of patients for intended surgery are required. Staging is based on TNM tumour classification. Concerning the course and extent of staging, it is necessary to estimate and consider patient's ability (clinical stage, performance status, age, comorbidity, pulmonary function) and the resectability of the tumour by imaging (X-ray, CT-scan, MRI, PET and US) and by invasive procedures (bronchoscopy, cervical mediastinoscopy, mediastinotomy and (video)thoracoscopy). Microscopic verification is required prior to final therapy selection. ET remains the ultimate possibility for tumor verification. ET is often performed in the case of doubtful or misevaluated resectability. Strictly unintentional ET is the consequence of intraoperative complications or in patients with limited pulmonary reserve precluding a resection larger than that predicted. Patients and method. From 1990 to 1999, 1,808 patients were operated on. In 165 (9.1%) of them ET was performed. Altogether 131 patients were evaluable for analysis. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters)
Descriptors		LUNG NEOPLASMS THORACOTOMY NEOPLASM STAGING SURVIVAL ANALYSIS AGE FACTORS