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Lobectomy for destroyed lung in quadriplegic patients
G Rocco1, C Della Pona, F Massera
1Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Morelli, Sondalo Sondrio, Italy. grocco@novanet.it
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 9, 2000
Summary
Lobectomy offers a safe and effective solution for quadriplegic patients experiencing severe lung infections and destruction. This surgical intervention successfully removed infected lung tissue, resolving sepsis and improving respiratory function.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
- Spinal Cord Injury Research
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) frequently leads to respiratory complications in quadriplegic patients, with a significant mortality rate.
- Preventive strategies often fall short in preventing lung parenchymal destruction and septic complications.
Observation:
- Three quadriplegic patients (C3-C6) presented with destroyed lower lung lobes and uncontrolled sepsis.
- These patients underwent lobectomy as a therapeutic measure.
Findings:
- The lobectomy procedure demonstrated no operative morbidity or mortality in the studied patients.
- All patients were discharged without the need for ventilatory support and remained symptom-free.
Implications:
- Lobectomy is a viable surgical option for quadriplegic patients with localized lung destruction and impending sepsis.
- This procedure can effectively eradicate chronic infection sources, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.