[Results of surgical treatment of patients with solid malignant chest tumours and superior vena cava syndrome].

Superior vena cava syndrome results from blood flow disturbances caused by compression or tumour invasion of the superior vena cava and its tributaries. In most cases, malignant lung tumours are responsible for its development. In 1995-2010, we performed surgical treatment of 55 patients with malignant chest neoplasms and superior vena cave syndrome. Vertical sternotomy was employed most frequently. Some patients additionally underwent antero-lateral thoracotomy to facilitate the surgical approach. Polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses 18-20 mm in diameter (Russia) were used to superior vena cava. Radical and cytoreductive surgery was the method of choice in 60 and 40% of the patients respectively. The signs of obstruction disappeared in all patients immediately after surgery. 21.8% of the patients died during the early postoperative period, 5 ones survived without signs of relapses. Median survival was 21 months.