Respiratory function and surgical reduction of lung volume
Sottiaux, T.; Delguste, P.
Revue Medicale de Liege 53(12): 770-777
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 9927877 Document Number: 489244
Emphysema is characterised by an enlargement of the terminal air spaces. Destructions of alveolar walls lead to a loss of the lung elastic recoil. The driving pressure for expiration is decreased and the outward forces acting on the bronchioles are lost, leading to bronchiolar collapse and airflow limitation. Hyperinflation of the lungs and overdistension of the chest wall cause the respiratory muscles to operate in unfavourable conditions. Patients with advanced emphysema have decreased quality of live: they are dyspneic at rest and are unable to perform exercise. Surgical excision of parts of diffusely emphysematous lungs (Lung Volume Reduction Surgery, LVRS) has been proposed since many years. Expansion of the remaining lung should increase lung elastic recoil and restore the outward forces on the bronchioles. It has been demonstrated that LVRS reduces dyspnea symptoms, improves exercise tolerance and enhances the quality of live. LVRS increases lung elastic recoil, airway conductance and maximal expiratory flow, reduces dynamic hyperinflation and improves the efficiency of the respiratory muscles. These improvements are maintained for at least 12 to 18 months. Preoperative evaluation, surgical-induced modifications of pulmonary functions and postoperative exercise training are exposed.