The first successful pneumonectomy for lung cancer was performed by Evarts A. Graham on April 5, 1933, at Barnes Hospital at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Due to a number of factors, this case became famous. It was not only a first and a success, but it also happened unexpectedly!The patient, Dr. James Gilmore (age 48), lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he practiced obstetrics-gynecology. Gilmore, believing he had a lung abscess, sought out Graham. Upon consultation with Graham, Gilmore learned he actually had a pea-sized carcinoma on the upper lobe of his left lung. Graham recommended a lobectomy, but Gilmore did not immediately agree. Instead, he took some time to consider his options. Gilmore eventually decided to go ahead with the lobectomy, and traveled to St.