Objective: To compare post-operative course, lung function and survival of lung cancer patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) more or less than 80% of predicted submitted to lobectomy. Methods: The data of patients undergoing lobectomy for non small cell carcinoma at the Thoracic Surgery Unit of the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, Italy, were prospectively collected. Inclusion criteria were a radical resectable tumor with size less than 2.5 cm, negative mediastinal nodes, capability to complete pulmonary function tests, Exclusion criteria were FEV1 ≪40% of predicted, pre- or post-operative chemo or radiotherapy, lobe to be resected receiving more than 30% of the perfusion, incapacity to quit smoking. Results: Eighty-eight patients entered the study and were divided into two groups according to their FEV1%: 45 patients were included in control group (mean FEV1: 92.2%) and 42 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group (mean FEV1: 64.2%). Post-operative complications, operative mortality and actuarial survival were the same in the 2 groups. Six months after lobectomy, the mean changes in FEV1 were −14.9% for first group and −3.2% for second group (P≪0.001). Conclusion: Lobectomy for cancer can be performed successfully also in selected patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Post-operative course and survival of these patients is not different from that of patients with normal FEV1, on the contrary, patients with low FEV1 may lose less pulmonary function or even mend it.