Lung volume reduction surgery (VRS) for lung diffuse emphysema
Shiraishi, T.; Shirakusa, T.
Kyobu Geka. Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery 49(4): 281-284
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5252 PMID: 8721358 Document Number: 455083
The lung volume reduction surgery is now being accepted for patients with lung diffuse emphysema. The basic concept of this procedure is based on reducing overall lung volume by multiple pneumectomy. The lungs are resected on both pathologic and non-pathologic lesions. As a result, elastic pull on the small airway may be achieved and normal underlying compressed lung can be re-expanded. Additionally, the compliance of thoracic wall is ameliorated with normalized thoracic volume. On the other hand, laser ablation of emphysematous lung with bullaectomy under video assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) has been performed recently. This procedure is based on reducing the non-functional air volume due to bullae underlying the pleural surface. Both procedures have still having been under consideration in last three years. In this report, the latest result of both methods in the USA are reported and discussed. Additionally, comparative data with lung transplantation, the other surgical strategy for lung emphysema, is also discussed.