Physiologic evaluation of lung resection candidates

This article reviews an evidence-based approach to the physiologic evaluation of patients under consideration for surgical resection of lung cancer. Adequate physiologic evaluation often includes a multidisciplinary evaluation, with complete identification of risk factors for perioperative complications and long-term disability including cardiovascular risk, assessment of pulmonary function, and smoking cessation counseling. Consideration of tumor-related anatomic obstruction, atelectasis, or vascular occlusion may alter measurements. Careful preoperative physiologic assessment helps to identify patients at increased risk of morbidity and mortality after lung resection. These evaluations are helpful in identifying patients who may not benefit from surgical management of their lung cancer.