Effect of resected lung lobe on the prediction of postoperative pulmonary function

This study examined whether a resected lung lobe can affect the accuracy of postoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) predicted using the subsegment counting method and three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) volumetry.

Overall, 125 patients who underwent lobectomy through video-assisted thoracic surgery were enrolled in this retrospective study. Pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months. We defined the accuracy index as the ratio of predicted postoperative FEV1 to measured postoperative FEV1 and compared the accuracy index of the subsegment counting method and 3D-CT volumetry. Factors affecting the accuracy index were also examined.

The accuracy index of the subsegment counting method was 0.94 ± 0.12, versus 0.93 ± 0.11 for 3D-CT volumetry (P = 0.539). There was a significant difference among the resected lobes in the accuracy index of the subsegment counting method (P < 0.001) but not in that of 3D-CT volumetry (P = 0.370). The resected lobe, the number of staples used for interlobar dissection and interstitial pneumonia were significantly associated with the accuracy index of the subsegment counting method (all P < 0.001). The number of staples and interstitial pneumonia were significantly associated with the accuracy index of 3D-CT volumetry (P < 0.001, respectively), whereas the resected lobe was not a significant factor (P = 0.240).

The resected lobe affected the accuracy of the subsegment counting method but not that of 3D-CT volumetry. Furthermore, 3D-CT volumetry predicted postoperative FEV1 independent of the resected lobe.