History and Objectives: The rate of pulmonary carcinoma tends to increase from second decade of 20 century and pneumonectomal surgery has been on the rise as well. Other conditions such as bronchiectasis, Tuberculosis and pulmonary metastasis also warrant the same surgical operation. The present study is conducted in order to characterize the patients undergoing pneumonectomy in Imam Khomeini hospital in 1993-1997.

Materials and Methods: The study was performed on 70 patients. Patient’s profile including, personal data, physical exam, data on surgical procedure, prognosis of the diseases, side effects, mortality and morbidity, cancer classification on the basis of pathological data, spirometry values and cigarette use were recorded. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on patient’s data.

Results: Carcinoma (50 cases, 71.4%), bronchiectasis (18 cases, 25.7%) and TB (2.9%) were the most prevalent cases. The most prevalent age group was 50-70 (64%). SCC and adenocarcinoma were the most prevalent type of cancers. Left pulmonary malignancies were 1.5 times the right pulmonary malignancies. Cigarette use in SCC pulmonary malignancies were 90%. Adenocarcinoma patients had lower percentage of cigarette use. Mortality and morbidity in older patients and FEV1<80% were expected.

Conclusion: Bronchiectasis was the most prevalent in the present study compared to developed nations and due to improper treatment, pneumonectomy is suggested. In patients with SCC and adenocarcinoma highest and lowest rate cigarette use was observed respectively. Other underlying causes of pulmonary carcinoma warrant further investigation. Contrary to developed nations left pulmonary malignancies were 1.5 time more prevalent compared to right pulmonary malignancies. Side effects of pneumonectomy can not be predicted merely on spirometry data alone.