Chest radiographic findings following video-assisted thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema

Surgical reduction of lung volume is being investigated as a promising alternative in the treatment of selected patients with severe debilitating emphysema. Following bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resection (VATS) of emphysematous lung tissue, patients show improvements in exercise tolerance, dyspnoea, increases in oxygenation, decreased airway obstruction and enhanced quality of life. The postoperative findings in the first 24 patients who underwent bilateral VATS volume reduction are described. Pneumothoraces developed in all patients, often with unusual shapes related to the surgical sutures. Perihilar, pulmonary and paramediastinal pulmonary parenchymal opacities were seen in approximately half of the patients, representing areas of pulmonary contusion, atelectasis and/or haemorrhage associated with the staple lines. The purpose of the present study is to describe the immediate postoperative chest radiographic appearances and to familiarize radiologists with the surgical procedure.