Surgical Options for Complete Resectable Lung Cancer Invading the Phrenic Nerve

Abstract

We describe a 58-year-old male diagnosed with a tumour of the left lung, which on subsequent thoracotomy proved to be invading the phrenic nerve. The clinical and spirometric outcome of a lobectomy, which resulted in a postoperative ipsilateral hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, versus the alternative surgical option of a pneumonectomy is discussed.

Key-words:

• Lung cancer
• surgery
• phrenic nerve
• diaphragmatic paralysis
• pneumonectomy
• lobectomy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

W. Willaert

Willem Willaert Frankrijklei 90 B-2000 Antwerp Belgium. Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]