SURGICAL TECHNIQUE AND RESULTS AFTER BILA TERAL VOLUME REDUCTION FOR EMPHYSEMA

Between 9/94 and 3/96 volume reduction was performed on 29 patients by a median sternotomy or videoendoscopic approach. Perioperative mortal ity occurred in three patients. The residual volume decreased within t he first month from preoperative 308.8+/-13.4% of predicted (%p) to 21 7.9+/-12.7%p (p<0.05). FeV1 significantly improved to 37.9+/-4.6%p aft er 3 months, versus 23.5+/-1.8%p preoperatively 0.<0.05). Intrinsic PE EP substantially decreased from 6.69+/-0.91 cm H2O preop to 0.93+/-0.2 8 cm H2O initially after surgery (p<0.005). This was paralleled by the work of breathing: 1.78+/-0.2 J/1 preoperatively versus 0.77+/-0.04 J /1 postoperatively (p<0.005). In conclusion, VR is a safe and successf ul option for patients with pulmonary emphysema, who show signs of mar ked hyperinflation.