Lung volume reduction for severe emphysema: do we need a scalpel or a scope?

ABSTRACT: Resectional lung volume reduction has proven to be superior to medical treatment in reducing dyspnoea and in increasing lung function, survival and quality of life in a very well selected, low risk group of hyperinflated patients with heterogeneous emphysema predominantly in the upper lobe. Nevertheless, this intervention is hampered by an important pulmonary (30%) and cardiovascular (20%) morbidity, mainly as a result of prolonged (>7 days) air leak, and a 5% risk of death as a result of the surgical intervention. Results from ongoing randomised trials are awaited in order to determine whether less invasive, non-resectional lung volume treatment of emphysema via the bronchoscope using endobronchial valves, airway bypass stents or biological adhesives/heated water vapour will yield similar

SUBMITTER: Van Raemdonck D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9487290 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature