Pneumonectomy is known as an effective treatment of lung cancer, lung tuberculosis, and damaged lung. But the incidences of complications and mortality are significantly higher in patients undergoing pneumonectomy than those undergoing lobectomy. The complication rate within 30 days after pneumonectomy is 11%-49% and the mortality is 3%-25%. Mortality of right pneumonectomy is triple that of left pneumonectomy. Postpneumonectomy complications include cardiopulmonary failure, bronchopleural fistula and postpneumonectomy syndrome. Besides the symptomatic treatment, which includes flushing drainage, plugging and operation, observation and prompt diagnosis are necessary for prevention. This review is focused on the prevention and treatment of complications after pneumonectomy.