Nissen elected to perform left pneumonectomy, or removal of the lung. The first successful pneumonectomy for lung cancer was performed in 1933. Hirschfeld conducted the first successful pneumonectomy and oesophagectomy surgeries in Queensland. A pneumonectomy (or pneumectomy) is a surgical procedure to remove a lung. Two surgeries have been developed&colon; extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy/decortication. It is a common and serious complication of a pneumonectomy. Nissen completed the first pneumonectomy by a Western physician in 1931. This position is also required postoperatively for pneumonectomy patients. Rarely, removal of a whole lung (pneumonectomy) is performed. Major surgery, either a lobectomy or a pneumonectomy, is usually required for treatment. It can develop following Pneumonectomy, post traumatically, or with certain types of infection.