OBJECTIVE

To obtain new data and reveal the patterns of topographic and anatomical changes in some organs of the abdominal cavity after pneumonectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 53 patients aged 39 to 75 years after pneumonectomy (27 on the right side, 26 on the left side). Computed tomography was performed before surgery, in 10—12 days and 12 months after surgery. Axial, sagittal and frontal scans were analyzed. The topography of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and buds was studied. Changes in skeletotopy, transverse and dorsal displacements were assessed. All indicators were studied at the preoperative stage, 10—12 days and 12 months after the operation. The head of the pancreas moves up and back.

RESULTS

After right pneumonectomy in the early postoperative period, the right lobe of the liver moves up to a height of 1—3 vertebral bodies and after 12 months — to a height of 5 vertebral bodies. The fundus of the gallbladder moves up in the early postoperative period to the height of one vertebra and after 12 months — to the height of 3 vertebrae, as well as to the right and dorsally. The head of the pancreas moves up to a height of one vertebra. The right bud moves cranially to a height of 1—2 thoracic vertebrae. After left pneumonectomy, the left lobe of the liver moves up to the height of the body of one thoracic vertebra. The spleen moves cranially 1—2 vertebrae and dorsally. The tail of the pancreas can move up to a height of 2 vertebrae, while the gland is displaced to the left. The left bud is shifted upwards by an average of one vertebra.

CONCLUSION

Pneumonectomy, being a thoracic operation, causes regular topographic and anatomical changes not only in the chest, but also in the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space.