[Lung Cancer Treated with Wedge Resection of the Lower Lobe of the Left Lung with the Assistance of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation(ECMO) after Right Pneumonectomy].

A 59-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with an abnormal shadow on a chest X-ray. Right pneumonectomy and lymph node dissection (ND2a) were performed. A pathological examination revealed adenocarcinoma( pT3N2M0). Fourteen years later, chest computed tomography(CT) showed a tumor shadow in the lower lobe of the left lung. His pulmonary function was sufficient to allow a 2nd operation. He underwent wedge resection of the lower lobe of the left lung with the assistance of extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). His postoperative course was uneventful. A pathological examination revealed large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, which was 18 mm in diameter. His performance status declined slightly, but he had no problems associated with the activities of daily life. The patient is currently alive 6 months after the 2nd operation without any sign of recurrence. ECMO is a useful technique for thoracic surgery after pneumonectomy.