We have analyzed 1559 operated cases during the 32 year period, from October, 1958 to December, 1990. Annual incidence of the surgical treatment decreased from 101(1960) to 25(1990). The ratio between male and female was 2.1 : 1 and the age of
peak
incidence was in the 3rd and 4th decades. Recently, patients below the age of 20 years were decreased, but above 50 years were much increased. The patients were consisted of far-advanced case in 71.8% and moderately-advanced case in 22.0% in
1990,
as
compared with 44% and 54% correspondingly in 1960. Preoperative sputum positivity decreased from 91%(1958-1963) to 38%(1982-1990). Preoperative antituberculous chemotherapy for more than 3years increased from 16%(1958-1963) to 56.5%(1982-1990).
From the view of surgical indication, totally destroyed lung and destroyed lobe or segment has been main indication. Recently empyema with parenchymal lesion was increased, and so more extensive surgical resection such as pleuropneumonectomy was
performed more frequently. The trends in the mode of surgical treatment revealed that thoracoplasty has virtually disappeared and operations required for residuals of pleural disease have increased. Postoperative mortality increased from 1.6-2.0%
to
3.6% recently as well as morbidity.
On the basis of our study, far-advanced and drug-resistant patients increased in number recently whose pulmonary function was poor. So postoperative mortality and morbidity was increased despite improved anesthetic and surgical technical
techniques.
Proper surgical intervention should be considered before the appearance of resistance for all chemotherapeutic drugs.
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