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Longterm effects of pulmonary resection on cardiopulmonary function
M Miyazawa1, M Haniuda, H Nishimura
1Department of Surgery, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.
Journal of the American College of Surgeons
|July 13, 1999
Summary
Major lung resection impacts cardiopulmonary function long-term. While some respiratory symptoms may improve, the pulmonary vascular bed shows continued deterioration after lung cancer surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Major lung resection negatively impacts ventilatory capacity and exercise tolerance.
- Postoperative quality of life is often impaired after lung resection.
- Observed improvements in respiratory symptoms suggest potential for recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate long-term changes in cardiopulmonary function during exertion after major lung resection in lung cancer patients.
- To assess corresponding changes in respiratory symptoms over several years post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Eight lung cancer patients underwent pulmonary function tests and hemodynamic studies.
- Evaluations were performed preoperatively, early postoperatively (4-6 months), and late postoperatively (42-48 months).
- Tests included assessment at rest and during exercise.
Main Results:
- Early postoperative phase showed general condition deterioration in most patients.
- Late postoperative phase indicated improvement in daily activities for some patients compared to the early phase.
- Pulmonary function showed late deterioration in airway resistance and diffusing capacity; cardiac index and stroke volume index decreased during maximal exercise, indicating pulmonary vascular bed deterioration.
Conclusions:
- The pulmonary vascular bed condition does not improve in the late postoperative phase after major lung resection.
- Despite potential improvements in clinical symptoms compared to the early postoperative period, long-term physiological function may decline.