REDUCTION PNEUMONOPLASTY FOR EMPHYSEMA - EARLY RESULTS

Objective The authors determined the role of Nd:YAG laser reduction pn eumonoplasty for selected patients with diffuse emphysema. Summary Bac kground Data The study is based on the concepts introduced 30 years ag o by Brantigan regarding the value of lung reduction surgery in patien ts with emphysema. The authors used minimally invasive techniques with the hopes of providing appropriate clinical results with the least su rgical morbidity. Methods Fifty-five patients with advanced symptomati c emphysema were treated with unilateral Nd:YAG laser reduction pneumo noplasty to achieve lung volume reduction. Results Patients experience d significant improvement in exercise capacity and relief of breathles sness. This correlated with improvement in objective measures of pulmo nary function and with reduction in lung volume by radiographic and sp irometric measures. Significant associated hospital morbidity and a 5. 5% mortality were associated. Conclusions These encouraging results wi th treatment of only one lung will be built on with both sequential lu ng and simultaneous, bilateral lung treatment protocols.