Our Summary

This research study looked at changes in lung function after a type of minimally invasive lung surgery (uniportal VATS) based on how many segments of the lung were removed. The researchers examined 135 patients who had this surgery between April 2015 and December 2020.

They found that the more segments of the lung that were removed, the greater the loss in lung function. Specifically, they measured lung function using two tests: forced vital capacity (FVC, which measures the amount of air a person can forcefully exhale after taking the deepest breath possible) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1, which measures the amount of air a person can forcibly exhale in one second after taking the deepest breath possible).

For patients who had five segments of the lung removed, the average loss in FVC was 10.8% and the average loss in FEV1 was 15.02%. These losses were significantly greater than the losses experienced by patients who had fewer segments removed. For each additional segment removed, the average loss in FVC and FEV1 increased by about 2% and 3%, respectively.

In conclusion, removing fewer segments of the lung during this type of surgery can help preserve lung function.

FAQs

  1. What is uniportal VATS and how does it affect lung function?
  2. How does the number of lung segments removed during uniportal VATS impact the loss in lung function?
  3. What were the average losses in FVC and FEV1 for patients who had five segments of lung removed during the surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip that a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to discuss with them the potential impact on lung function based on the number of lung segments that will be removed during the surgery. It is important for patients to be aware that removing more segments of the lung may result in a greater loss of lung function, as shown in this research study. Therefore, if possible, it may be beneficial to preserve as many lung segments as possible to help maintain optimal lung function post-surgery. It is important for patients to have a thorough discussion with their doctor about the potential risks and benefits of lung resection to make an informed decision about their treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lung resection include those with early-stage lung cancer, lung infections, lung abscesses, benign tumors, or other conditions that affect the lungs. Patients who have not responded to other treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be recommended for lung resection. Additionally, patients who have a high risk of developing lung cancer due to factors such as smoking, exposure to asbestos, or a family history of lung cancer may also be candidates for lung resection.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  1. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as imaging scans and pulmonary function tests to determine the extent of the lung disease.
  2. Patient meets with the surgeon to discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery and to create a treatment plan.
  3. Patient may undergo preoperative testing and preparation, such as blood tests and chest x-rays.
  4. Patient may need to stop certain medications or make lifestyle changes before the surgery.
  5. Patient may attend preoperative counseling or education sessions to prepare for the surgery.

After lung resection:

  1. Patient undergoes the minimally invasive lung surgery (uniportal VATS) to remove the affected segments of the lung.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications or side effects.
  3. Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and pain management.
  4. Patient undergoes postoperative testing to assess lung function and monitor recovery progress.
  5. Patient may need physical therapy or pulmonary rehabilitation to help regain lung function and strength.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor recovery and address any concerns or complications.
  7. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or increasing physical activity, to improve lung function and overall health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung resection include:

  1. What is the purpose of the lung resection surgery?
  2. How many segments of my lung will need to be removed during the surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of surgery?
  4. How will my lung function be affected by the removal of segments of my lung?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies to help maintain my lung function after the surgery?
  6. What is the recovery process like after a lung resection surgery?
  7. How long will it take for me to fully recover and resume normal activities?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to support my lung health after the surgery?
  9. Will I need any follow-up appointments or tests to monitor my lung function post-surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider for my condition?

Reference

Authors: Dai SY, Tseng YL, Chang CC, Huang WL, Yen YT, Lai WW, Chen YY. Journal: Asian J Surg. 2023 Apr;46(4):1571-1576. doi: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.09.075. Epub 2022 Oct 6. PMID: 36210308