Pulmonary Resections for Metastatic Lesions

Abstract

The thought that a localized metastasis in the lungs may represent the only tumor remaining in the patient has led surgeons to carry out pulmonary resections with some expectation of cure in an otherwise hopeless disease. Even if the patient eventually dies of his disease, prolongation of life or relief of any distressing symptoms may be achieved. There has been considerable difference of opinion regarding the advisability of this course of action. Certainly the low mortality of pulmonary resection should not encourage the use of a futile operation. Therefore, periodic reevaluation of results is certainly indicated to enable us to state with more accuracy whether or not such surgical intervention is justified. A previous report of nine patients by one of us (J. L. E.)¹was preceded by publications on the same subject by Seiler, Clagett, and McDonald⁴and by Eschapasse.²The latest, and by far the most extensive, review