Lung Volume Reduction Surgery in Patients with Homogeneous Emphysema

Thorac Surg Clin. 2021 May;31(2):203-209. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2021.02.007.

Abstract

Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) improves exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life in patients with heterogenous emphysema on computed tomographic and perfusion scan. However, most patients have a nonheterogenous type of destruction. These patients, summarized under "homogeneous emphysema," may also benefit from LVRS as long they are severely hyperinflated, and adequate function is remaining with a diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide greater than 20% and no pulmonary hypertension. Surgical mortality is low when patients are well selected.

Keywords: Homogeneous emphysema; LVRS; Surgery for emphysema.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bronchoscopy
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung / surgery*
  • Patient Selection
  • Pneumonectomy / methods*
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / mortality
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / psychology
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / surgery*
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed