Objective        To summarize the common complications following pneumonectomy due to lung cancer

and investigate how to prevent and manage them.       Methods       A total of 155 patients of lung cancer undergoing pneumonectomy in our department during the time period of January 2009 to October 2011 were enrolled in this study. A retrospective analysis of their clinical data was conducted

including age

preoperative medical history

lung function

postoperative intubation time and postoperative hospital stay.       Results       Complications occurred in 51 cases

accounting for 32.90%. These were arrhythmia in 31 cases

lung infection in 13 cases

acute respiratory failure in 1 case

pulmonary embolism in 3 cases

bronchopleural fistula in 2 cases

and postoperative intrathoracic active bleeding in 1 case. Five patients died in peri-operative time

and the surgical mortality was 3.22%. The causes of death were probably pulmonary embolism for 3 cases

and respiratory failure following postoperative pulmonary infections in the other 2 cases.       Conclusion       Pneumonectomy for lung cancer patients is a high-risk surgical procedure

and postoperative common complications include arrhythmia

lung infection

acute respiratory failure

pulmonary embolism and bronchopleural fistula. Surgical indications should be strictly defined for the patients who are about to take pneumonectomy. Before operation

comprehensive and accurate examinations are necessary. After operation

perioperative management and intensive care should be enhanced so as to reduce the incidence of complications and hazards following pneumonectomy by means of timely and correct treatment.