LUNG-VOLUME REDUCTION SURGERY IN EMPHYSEMA

Lung volume reduction surgery in emphysema has, as an objective, the r eduction of dyspnoea and an increase in the exercise tolerance in pati ents with respiratory insufficiency suffering from diffuse emphysema. In principle the resection of the most diseased areas of emphysema lea ds to improvement in the mechanical properties of the emphysematous lu ng and correct pulmonary hyperinflation. The respiratory function bene fits both objective and subjective, produced by surgery are real but t ransitory and inconstant depending in particular on the evolutionary p rofile of the emphysematous disease. The indications should be further refined and an objective comparison of different surgical techniques has not been achieved. The impact on the quality of life for these pat ients is unknown.