Surgical options for patients with COPD: sorting out the choices
Benditt, J.O.
Respiratory Care 51(2): 173-182
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-1324 PMID: 16441961 Document Number: 596389
Surgical procedures designed to improve pulmonary function and quality of life of patients with advanced emphysema have been attempted for more than a century. Of the many attempted procedures, only giant bullectomy, lung transplantation, and lung-volume-reduction surgery have withstood the test of time and are currently being practiced. This article reviews each of these procedures and also develops a rational approach to selecting appropriate candidates for these 3 interventions.