The change in body composition after bilateral lung volume reduction surgery for underweight patients with severe...

The aim of this study was to examine the short-term effect of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) on body composition and other nutritional indicators in 28 patients with emphysema underwent thoracoscopic LVRS. Functional tests, body weight (BW), and body composition were measured before and 6 months after surgery. Mean daily caloric intake (CI) was estimated by 3-day dietary record as well. Fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). FEV1.0 and VO2max have improved after LVRS by 35.2% and 23.8%, respectively. Preoperatively, 75% of patients were underweight (% ideal body weight (%IBW) <90) with the mean %IBW at 84.5%. BW, CI, and FFM increased significantly after LVRS, whereas FM was unchanged. The change in BW correlated significantly with the change in FEV1.0, MVV, and VO2max (p < 0.01) but not with CI. Bilateral LVRS results in an increase in FFM and functional improvement for underweight patients with severe emphysema, and it may contribute to the improvement in maximal exercise capacity.