Last December, a complex operation for a pulmonary neoplasm infiltrating the cardiac atrium was successfully completed at the Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Sapienza's General Hospital and a highly specialised structure in the Lazio Region: after removing the tumour and reconstructing the affected cardiac chamber the innovative procedure carried out at the Thoracic Surgery Unit, led by Erino Angelo Rendina, also allowed the patient's respiratory and cardiac function to be preserved, avoiding the need for complete removal of the lung. A 68-year-old man had a tumour located in the lower part of his right lung that invaded the left cardiac atrium.

After a thorough multidisciplinary pre-surgery study, the patient underwent a difficult surgical treatment that allowed the removal of the tumour and a subsequent partial replacement of the cardiac chamber with a biological prosthesis that could be perfectly integrated into the muscle tissue.

Previously, this delicate operation had always been performed with the removal of the entire lung. For the first time, reconstruction of the heart made it possible to save the anatomical and functional integrity of the upper pulmonary vein, thus preserving the two healthy thirds of the right lung.

The difficult procedure, which lasted about five hours, was performed in extracorporeal circulation by a multidisciplinary team led by thoracic surgeons and comprising cardiac surgeons and anaesthetists, assisted by perfusionists and nurses. The heart was temporarily stopped and restarted as soon as the reconstruction with the prosthesis was completed. The patient was discharged after two weeks in excellent condition, and ready to continue oncological treatment.

"Every success in the operating theatre contributes to the construction of scientific knowledge and the treatment of diseases," says Erino Angelo Rendina. "There is no greater satisfaction than being part of and leading the Thoracic Surgery team at Sant'Andrea-Sapienza Hospital, which produces and transmits innovation day after day".

"Thoracic Surgery confirms the outstanding results of Sant'Andrea and Sapienza University. We are proud of the work that the team led by Professor Erino Angelo Rendina carries out every day, not only for our local patients – says Francesco Rocca, President of the Lazio Region. "Today, more than ever, new technologies and advances in research and science allow us to treat even very complex neoplasms with exceptional surgical and therapeutic results. We will do everything necessary to help and support the great excellence of our regional health service".

"Thoracic Surgery at Sapienza University of Rome has always been excellent, and now this has been further and pleasantly confirmed by the innovative operation successfully performed at our Sant'Andrea University Hospital," says Rector Antonella Polimeni. "I would like to thank the team, the professionals, the people who, with passion, dedication and a willingness to engage in dialogue, have made this result possible".

"Sant'Andrea Hospital," concludes Daniela Donetti, Director General of the Health Authority, "once again contributes to the achievement of excellence in healthcare, which remains a beacon of research and innovation and the best investment for our patients."