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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
Lung volume reduction surgery in a ventilator-dependent patient
Isabelle Baeyens1, Michael F Maguire, Christopher D Sheldon
1Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK.
Abstract:
In recent years lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has been advocated in a selected group of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. There are few reports of successful surgical intervention on ventilator-dependent patients. We present our own experience with a 53-year-old male who suffered an acute exacerbation of COPD and who could not be weaned off ventilation after 22 days. He underwent bilateral LVRS after which he was successfully weaned from ventilation. He is alive 4 years later with a satisfactory quality of life.
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