[Functional results after bilateral thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery in emphysema]

We investigated functional results, complications and survival of patients undergoing bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic (VAT) lung volume reduction surgery (VRS) for severe, diffuse pulmonary emphysema [FEV1 28 +/- 0.8 (% pred.), RV/TLC 0.65 +/- 0.01, 12' walking distance 499 +/- 21 (m)]. From January 1994 to March 1998, 106 of 286 candidates were operated, 85 patients (mean age 64, range 38-78 years, 30 females) fulfilled the study criteria and were included in the prospective study. Hyperinflation decreased to an RV/TLC ratio of 0.51 +/- 0.01 after 3 months and 0.55 +/- 0.02 after 24 months, FEV1 increased to 43 +/- 1.6 (% pred.) after 3 months and 35 +/- 2.3 (% pred.) after 24 months, and the 12' walking distance was 687 +/- 29 (m) 3 months postoperative and 626 +/- 44 (m) after 24 months.