1996 OPEN FORUM Abstracts
IMPROVEMENT IN LUNG FUNCTION STATUS & PHYSICAL ENDURANCE POST LUNG VOLUME REDUCTION SURGERY
C. Freund, BS RRT, S. Lerner, M. D., FCCP, B. Schwartz, M.D., FCCP, J. Piehler, M.D. St. Luko's Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri
INTRODUCTION: Lung volume reduction is a surgical option for patients with severe, debilitating emphysema that does not improve despite maximum medical treatment. Patients meeting acceptance criteria are required to undergo a rigorous 6 week pulmonary rehabilitation program. A prospective study was done to evaluate if there is an improvement in lung function, endurance and subjective improvement in levels of dyspnea.
Methods: Pulmonary function tests, 6 minute walks, arterial blood gases and dyspnea indexes were performed pre and post operatively.
Results: Mean results of patients that are 6 months post lung volume reduction are listed in table below.
[See original abstract for table]
CONCLUSION: Lung volume reduction surgery does contribute to an improvement in lung function and endurance in the first 6 months. Continued evaluation of this data would be helpful in determining the long term benefits of the surgery.
Reference: OF-96-032