Our Summary

This study aimed to find out if doctors could predict how well a patient can exercise after lung surgery, based on certain tests done before the surgery and the number of lung parts (subsegments) removed during surgery.

The researchers divided 315 patients into two groups. For the first group, they used a special lung scan (lung perfusion scintigraphy) and the number of subsegments to be removed to predict how much oxygen the patients could use during maximum exercise (ppo VO2 max/m2) after surgery. They then compared these predictions with the actual measurements taken two weeks and one month after surgery to create a mathematical formula (regression equation).

For the second group, they used the formula obtained from the first group to correct their initial predictions and compared these with the actual measurements after surgery. The results showed a close match between the corrected predictions and the actual measurements, suggesting that this method could be useful in predicting a patient’s ability to exercise after lung surgery. This is important for planning the patient’s post-surgery care and rehabilitation.

FAQs

  1. What was the goal of the study regarding lung resection and patient exercise capacity?
  2. What method did the researchers use to predict how much oxygen patients could use during maximum exercise after lung surgery?
  3. How could this research be beneficial in planning for a patient’s post-surgery care and rehabilitation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing lung resection is to stay as physically active as possible both before and after the surgery. This can help improve lung function and overall fitness, which may lead to better outcomes and faster recovery. Additionally, following a healthy diet and quitting smoking if applicable can also improve lung health and support healing after surgery. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend any post-operative rehabilitation programs to optimize your recovery and long-term lung function.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung resection include those with lung cancer, lung infections, lung abscesses, bronchiectasis, and certain types of noncancerous lung tumors. Additionally, patients with severe emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may also be candidates for lung resection to improve their quality of life and lung function.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes lung perfusion scintigraphy and other tests to assess lung function
  • Doctors determine the number of lung parts (subsegments) to be removed during surgery
  • Predictions are made about the patient’s ability to exercise after surgery based on these tests and number of subsegments to be removed

After lung resection:

  • Surgery is performed to remove the predetermined number of subsegments
  • Patient is monitored post-surgery for recovery and complications
  • Actual measurements of the patient’s ability to exercise are taken two weeks and one month after surgery
  • Predictions made before surgery are compared with actual measurements to assess accuracy
  • Corrections may be made to initial predictions based on the results of the comparison
  • Mathematical formula may be developed to help predict patient’s ability to exercise after lung surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. How will the lung resection surgery affect my ability to exercise post-surgery?
  2. Based on my lung function tests and the number of subsegments to be removed, what is the predicted outcome of my exercise capacity after surgery?
  3. Are there any specific exercises or rehabilitation programs I should follow post-surgery to improve my lung function and exercise capacity?
  4. How long is the recovery period expected to be after lung resection surgery, and when can I start exercising again?
  5. Are there any potential complications or risks associated with lung resection surgery that could impact my ability to exercise in the future?
  6. Will I need any additional tests or evaluations to monitor my lung function and exercise capacity post-surgery?
  7. How often should I follow up with you or a pulmonary rehabilitation specialist after surgery to assess my progress and make any necessary adjustments to my exercise routine?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or modifications I should consider to support my lung health and exercise capacity in the long term?

Reference

Authors: Nagamatsu Y, Sueyoshi S, Tsubuku T, Kawasaki M, Akagi Y. Journal: Surg Today. 2015 Dec;45(12):1501-8. doi: 10.1007/s00595-015-1121-7. Epub 2015 Feb 7. PMID: 25663072