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Physiologic consequences of pneumonectomy. Long-term consequences of pneumonectomy done in children
P Lezama-del Valle Valle1, M L Blakely, T E Lobe
1Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA.
Insights
Pediatric lung resections, including pneumonectomy, are well-tolerated. Younger patients undergoing these procedures experience minimal long-term functional limitations, enabling adequate performance in most adult jobs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric surgery
- Thoracic surgery
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Lung resections in children are necessary for conditions like congenital malformations, infections, bronchiectasis, and tumors.
- Existing literature suggests children tolerate lung resections well with minimal sequelae.
- Previous reports indicate most children can perform non-physically demanding jobs in adulthood after lung resection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes and functional limitations following pneumonectomy in pediatric patients.
- To assess the tolerance and functional capacity of children undergoing pulmonary resections.
Main Methods:
- Review of pediatric patients who underwent lung resection (including pneumonectomy).
- Assessment of post-operative sequelae and long-term functional outcomes.
- Analysis of patient capacity for adult employment.
Main Results:
- Children tolerate pulmonary resections, including pneumonectomy, with minimal functional limitations.
- Younger patients demonstrate good tolerance to lung resection procedures.
- Majority of patients can perform adequately in non-physically demanding jobs post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric lung resections are generally well-tolerated procedures.
- Children undergoing pneumonectomy experience minimal long-term functional deficits.
- Pulmonary resections in pediatric patients allow for adequate functional capacity in adulthood.
Abstract:
Lung resections in children are performed for a variety of reasons including congenital malformations, infections, bronchiectasis, and tumors. There are no long-term reports on pneumonectomy alone in children, but those on lung resection as a group state that children tolerate these operations well, with mild sequelae if any, and that the majority of them in adulthood can perform non-physically demanding jobs adequately. The authors' findings concur with the reports that younger patients can endure pulmonary resections with minimal functional limitations.