Pneumonectomy for chronic infection is a high-risk procedure.

Background. The purpose of this study was to estimate operative risk, and to identify indicators of adverse prognosis, in patients undergoing pneumonectomy for chronic infection. Methods. Twenty-five patients aged 41 ± 15 years underwent pneumonectomy (three completions) for chronic infection: sequelae of tuberculosis, 15; cystic bronchiectasis, 9; and radiation pneumonitis, 1. Eight patients had aspergilloma (7 after tuberculosis, 1 with radiation pneumonitis). Results. Operative mortality was 4%. Operative blood loss was estimated at 1,983 ± 1,424 mL, ranging from 150 to 5,600 mL. A single patient required reexploration. Eight patients (32%) had empyema, and a further 3 (12%) had bronchopleural fistula; thoracoplasty was required for 10 (40%). Sequelae of tuberculosis heralded increased operative bleeding ( t = 2.884; p χ 2 = 3.896; p χ 2 = 4.588; p χ 2 = 11.5; p X 2 = 4.911; p Conclusions. We conclude that pneumonectomy is a high-risk procedure, especially in patients with sequelae of tuberculosis.