Major Complications of Thoracic Surgery

n Western countries, thoracic surgery mainly treats localized lung cancer. Complications are generally rare but often severe, whether it involves a segmentectomy or lobectomy. Life-threatening complications are more frequent in the case of extended lobectomy or pneumonectomy. These complications must be fully understood not only by a thoracic surgery resident but also by any thoracic surgeon, due to their rapid aggravation in the event of respiratory failure. The recent development of minimally invasive surgery in thoracic surgery, and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program, have reduced the incidence of these complications. The preoperative evaluation must be particularly meticulous to prevent these complications.