Delayed results of lung volume reduction surgery in heterogeneous lung emphysema

The aim of the study was to search delayed results and to characterize patients with heterogeneous emphysema which do not improve their quality of life after lung volume reduction surgery. Retrospective analysis was done based on medical history reports from July, 1994, to January, 1998. The surgical lung volume reduction was performed in 81 patients (45 males and 13 females, the average age was 61.9 yrs). Postoperative mortality was 6.9 % (4 patients). Twenty-three patients died within 5 yrs after the intervention; their mean follow-up period was 33.3 months. The average follow-up period was 54.3 months. Functional parameters for patients survived 3 to 5 yrs were: FEV1 50 ± 23.8 %, RV 35.6 ± 29.1 %, RV / TLC 12.3 ± 12 %, the 6-min walk distance was 96.7 ± 62 m. The total 5-year survival was 63.8 %, the survival for the patients having FEV1> 30 % was 83.8 % and that for the patients with FEV1 < 30 % was 50 %. Age and lung function parameters did not differ in survivors and died patients. On the contrary, differences in the blood gas parameters, oxygen therapy time and 6-min walk distance were significant between these groups. Some negative factors were revealed: predominant injury of the lower lung fields, FEV1 < 30 % pred., respiratory failure (PaCO2 ≥ 48 mm Hg), oxygen therapy longer than 6 months, the 6-min walk distance shorter than 80 m.