[Cardiopulmonary capacity before and after lung operation (author's transl)]

We examined patients before and after lobectomy respectively pneumonectomy, to judge the influence of parenchyma reduction on the capacity of the cardiopulmonary system. We measured the cardiopulmonary function including the pulmonary arterial pressure. The influence of lobectomy on the functions of the lung and the cardiopulmonary system is lower than that of pneumonectomy. The load of the right ventricle is preponderant due to the increased resistance and pressure in the pulmonary circulation. It depends on the extent of parenchyma reduction. In the postoperative course there is a negative trend, which likely correlates with pulmonary function and time. These results are the base for special postoperative examination and therapeutics.