[Pulmonary function in patients treated for esophageal cancer]

The data concerning lung function and smoking history were evaluated before oesophagus cancer surgery in 54 patients. The parameters of forced expiration and inspiration (FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEF and VCin) were measured and as well as the bodyplethysmography was performed. More than 90% of patients smoked cigarettes. Mean values of FVC and FEV1 were within normal range in the whole group but FEV1/FVC (%) was decreased. Current smokers had the highest airways resistance. In the group of former smokers RV and ITGV were elevated. All mean values of forced expiratory flow parameters were below normal range. In the whole examined group spirometry revealed 28.9% of patients with FEV1 lower than 80% of predicted value and 83.7% of patients with small airways obstruction (FEF25 < 80% of predicted value. There were 74% of patients with Raw > 0.3 kPa/l/s. The high frequency of airways obstruction in the evaluated group of patients enhanced the risk of bronchopulmonary complications during surgery as well in postoperative period.