Current status of thoracoscopic lung volume reduction

Surgical therapy has recently been reintroduced for the treatment of emphys ema, and a number of investigators have used video-assisted thoracic surgic al (VATS) techniques to accomplish lung volume reduction. The published rep orts differ with regard to patient selection, preoperative preparation, ope rative approach, and surgical technique. The results of these reports are r eviewed and compared. Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction appears to be a u seful part of the surgeon's armamentarium in managing patients with severe pulmonary emphysema.