Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important risk factor for postoperative complications and mortality. The utility of several perioperative bronchodilators in patients with COPD requiring surgery for lung cancer has been reported, but the most suitable agent and its specific effect on postoperative long-term prognosis remain unclear. To determine the effects of perioperative combination therapy, using a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting β2 agonist (LABA), on preoperative lung function, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and long-term outcome in COPD patients.Methods: Between January 2005 and October 2019, 130 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed COPD underwent surgery for lung cancer. We conducted a retrospective review of their medical records. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to perioperative management: LAMA/LABA (n=64), LAMA (n=23) and rehabilitation only (no bronchodilator) (n=43). Results: Patients who received preoperative LAMA/LABA therapy showed significant improvement in lung function before surgery (p<0.001 for both forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 %pred). Compared with patients who received preoperative LAMA therapy, patients with LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly improved lung function (ΔFEV1, 223.1 mL vs 130.0 mL, ΔFEV1 %pred, 10.8% vs 6.8%; both p<0.05). There was a trend toward a lower incidence of postoperative complications in the LAMA/LABA group compared with the LAMA and rehabilitation-only groups. In patients with moderate to severe air flow limitation (n=61), those who received LAMA/LABA therapy had significantly longer overall survival and disease-free survival compared with patients in the other groups. Perioperative LAMA/LABA therapy was also associated with lower recurrence rates. Conclusions: Patients who receive perioperative LAMA/LABA for moderate to severe COPD have improved prognosis and better pulmonary function with surgery for lung cancer. We believe this treatment combination is optimal for patients with lung cancer and COPD.
Long-Term Effects of Inhaled Anticholinergic Drug on Lung Function, Dyspnea, and Exercise Capacity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
