Plasma fibrinogen and serum C-reactive protein are associated with non-small cell lung cancer.

Objectives: There is an association between coagulation and lung cancer. Therefore, pre-operative plasma fibrinogen and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration were assessed to determine their association with tumour characteristics and to ascertain any role in patient selection for curative resection.

Methods: These parameters were compared with tumour size, pTNM stage, and possibility of complete resection in 93 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent surgical resection.

Lung surgery: identifying the subgroup at risk for sputum retention.

Objectives: Sputum retention after lung surgery is a potentially lethal condition, which can progress to atelectasis, pneumonia and respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support. Previous studies have concentrated on the treatment of postoperative respiratory complications but few have studied the risk factors for sputum retention. This prospective study was designed to identify the risk factors which may lead to the development of sputum retention after lung surgery.