Indications for pneumonectomy:
(1) post-infectious bronchiectasis
(2) tumors
(3) pulmonary malformations
(4) aspiration
(5) cystic fibrosis
(7) immunodeficiency
(8) trauma
Major morbidities (occurred in 23%):
(1) sepsis
(2) bronchopleural fistula
(3) ARDS
(4) pneumonia and/or empyema
(5) pneumothorax
(6) postpneumonectomy syndrome
(7) hemorrhage
(8) death
Minor morbidities (occurred in 27%):
(1) scoliosis
(2) transient atelectasis
(3) surgical site infection
Risk factors for complications:
(1) age <= 3 years (odds ratio 16.7)
(2) need for mechanical ventilation >= 4 days (odds ratio 8)
Conditions associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation were complex and included congenital malformations, broncho-esopohageal fistulae, and tumors. These patients were also at increased risk for mortality.
