[Volume Reduction Surgery for Advanced Emphysema is Still Worthwhile to Be Considered]

Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema became popular in 1990's and became less common afterward. In emphysema patients, pleural pressure becomes positive and it restricts the diaphragm movement and the patency of bronchioles. The pleural pressure becomes negative after reducing the lung volume and make the diaphragm motion better and keep the bronchioles open. In order not to compromise the respiratory muscle, this operation is usually performed through median sternotomy or thoracoscopic approach. These days, the buttress materials were improved and there are still report for good results of this procedure, I believe this procedure should be one of the option for emphysema patients.