[The influence of uni- or bilateral recurrent paresis on physical capacity (author's transl]

Patients suffering from uni- or bilateral recurrent laryngeal paresis were tested by means of spirometric and complex functional capacity tests. The results obtained from patients with unilateral paresis (spirometry, spiroergometry, acid-base equilibrium, oxygen tension) did not differ from those of the control group. A restriction of the functional capacity due to disorders of breathing was not found. In patients with bilateral paresis, physiologic parameters were always influenced by the respiratory tract stenosis. Functional tests resulted in alveolar hypoventilation up to total respiratory failure connected with decreased ergometric values. The results also gave an insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the respiratory obstruction as a result of the stenosis under conditions of physical strain. Suggestions for evaluating the physical functional capacity of patients are given.