Faculty Collaboration Database

Functional and oximetric assessment of patients after lung reduction surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997 Apr;113(4):675-81; discussion 681-2

Date

04/01/1997

Pubmed ID

9104976

DOI

10.1016/S0022-5223(97)70224-1

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0030897487 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   28 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to clarify the issue of functional oxygen requirement by regimented exercise oximetry in patients undergoing lung reduction surgery.

METHODS: Thirty-seven patients underwent lung reduction surgery and were followed up for at least 3 months. Patients routinely completed a 6-week program of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Preoperative and postoperative spirometry, dyspnea scores, 6-minute walk distances, respiratory mechanics, and exercise oximetry were recorded.

RESULTS: After the operation, patients had a 37% increase in forced vital capacity and a 59% increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Six-minute walk distance increased from 913 +/- 310 feet before the lung reduction operation to 1202 +/- 274 feet 6 months after the operation (p < 0.001). Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were significantly increased in 16 patients after lung reduction surgery. Perceived dyspnea was significantly improved. Exercise pulse oximetry demonstrated that 83% of patients met American Thoracic Society criteria for supplemental oxygen use before lung reduction surgery. After the operation, 70% of patients continued to meet American Thoracic Society criteria for supplemental oxygen use. Notably, 10 patients with exertional desaturation while breathing room air discontinued supplemental oxygen use because of a reduction in dyspnea.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate significant subjective and functional improvements related to lung reduction surgery. Exercise-induced hypoxia was not reversed by lung reduction surgery. Discontinuance of supplemental oxygen use owing to reduction in dyspnea and improved physical performance may not be warranted in lieu of continued exertional desaturation.

Author List

Bousamra M 2nd, Haasler GB, Lipchik RJ, Henry D, Chammas JH, Rokkas CK, Menard-Rothe K, Sobush DC, Olinger GN

Author

Randolph J. Lipchik MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Dyspnea
Emphysema
Exercise Test
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Oximetry
Oxygen
Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
Pneumonectomy
Respiratory Mechanics