Complications of extrapleural pneumonectomy

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is a technically demanding operation that includes two body cavities within the operative field. Avoidance of postoperative deaths requires an experienced team that can identify common morbidities. The ability to recognize and intervene correctly in the early phases of postoperative complications can avoid deaths. Although our group has experienced only 20 deaths following 496 EPPs (4% mortality), there were 328 patients (66%) who suffered morbidity. We have drawn upon our single-institution experience to describe the most common source of morbidity following EPP and to offer successful interventions.