Abstract
Lung Volume Reduction surgery (LVRS) improves symptoms, quality of life and survival in patients with heterogeneous emphysema and low exercise capacity. The operation remains underutilised despite recommendations in global and national guidelines.This may be because of concerns about morbidity,the risk of prolonged hospital stay and roughly 5% surgical mortality.
We retrospectively reviewed all surgeries performed for emphysema at our institution from January 2000 to September 2012 to assess mortality, morbidity and efficacy in clinical practice.
Unilateral LVRS is associated with similar benefits and is a safer procedure than bilateral LVRS. More widespread application of the technique should be encouraged in patients with severe heterogeneous upper lobe disease with hyperinflation.
- © 2013 ERS