[Operability in cardiopulmonary insufficiency]

Based on 48 patients suffering from larger bullous pulmonary emphysema, the problem of operability was investigated. In spite of a considerable preoperative cardiopulmonary insufficiency in several cases the patients were treated surgically. The good postoperative results show that the border lines recognized up to now can be partially ignored without endangering the success of the operation. In patients who have been well adapted to chronic pulmonary insufficiency for years, postoperative respirator treatment should be used sparingly. The decision in favour of an operation must be made individually.