[Extended lung resection].

The history of surgical therapy for lung cancer has been dated since the beginning of the last century. There is a long experience of this type of surgical procedure in our cardiosurgical department. In our study there are included extended lung resections. The evaluation of these procedures is based on TNM classification. Extended resections are reserved for those in stage III. The diagnostic capabilities are improving and therefore there are more patients with more favourable stage and on the other hand there are smaller number of extensive operations. We carry out extended lung resections where we expect benefit for these patients. This is also backed up and influenced by improved postoperative care. In our paper there are patients operated in 1997-2002, which were in stage III. 30 days postoperative letality in this small group was 6%. It is certainly higher then in simple resections (0,5%). On the other hand we have to offer surgical treatement when it is feasible, despite of higher risk. Therefore we cannot expect the same results as in the group of patients operated in stage I and II.