Functional effects of typical lung resections for primary bronchogenic carcinoma

In 60 patients with primary bronchogenic carcinoma undergoing surgery, pulmonary function studies were performed before, and then 10 days and 3 to 6 months after typical lung resection. Preoperative profiles showed a slight restrictive pattern without air trapping and slightly disturbed gas exchange. The restrictive pattern was not related to clinical, X-ray and endoscopy findings. The alveoloarterial oxygen gradient was smaller in the patients requiring lobectomy than in pneumonectomy patients. After surgery, the volume loss was related to the amount resected, being greater after right pneumonectomy than after left pneumonectomy, smaller after bilobectomy and the least after lobectomy. The obstructive pattern remained unchanged. Diffusion of carbon monoxide decreased significantly less than the volumes after pneumonectomy, but proportionally after lobectomy and bilobectomy. Those with increased alveoloarterial oxygen gradient or increased physiologic dead space showed a significant improvement of their gas exchange after surgery.