Our Summary

This study looked at a condition called postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF), which is a heart rhythm disorder that can occur after lung surgery. They analyzed data from 1367 patients who had lung surgery between April 2016 and March 2017, aiming to see if there was a link between the chance of getting POAF and different types of surgery or parts of the lung being operated on.

They found that 7.4% of the patients experienced POAF. The chances of getting POAF were different depending on the type of surgery and which part of the lung was removed. However, there were no significant differences based on the patient’s sex, or which side of the lung was operated on.

The study found that older age and more invasive surgery were linked to a higher chance of getting POAF. Patients who experienced POAF stayed in the hospital longer and had a higher chance of having a stroke and dying in the long term.

The researchers concluded that in order to prevent POAF, doctors should target older patients and those undergoing more invasive surgery with preventative treatments.

FAQs

  1. What is postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) and when does it occur?
  2. Did the study find any link between the chances of getting POAF and the type of lung surgery performed?
  3. What preventative measures can doctors take to reduce the occurrence of POAF in patients undergoing lung surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung resection is to discuss the risk of developing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) with your healthcare team. Be sure to ask about any preventative treatments or measures that can be taken to reduce the chances of experiencing this heart rhythm disorder after surgery. It is important to stay informed and proactive in managing your health during the recovery process.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended lung resection are those who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, lung infections, or other lung diseases that require the removal of a portion of the lung. Other factors that may lead to a recommendation for lung resection include the presence of a tumor or mass in the lung, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or bronchiectasis. Additionally, patients who have not responded to other forms of treatment such as medication or radiation therapy may also be recommended for lung resection.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  1. Patient undergoes preoperative testing and evaluation to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  2. Patient meets with their healthcare team to discuss the procedure, potential risks, and recovery process.
  3. Patient may undergo lung function tests, imaging scans, and other preoperative preparations.
  4. Patient may be advised to quit smoking and make lifestyle changes to improve their lung health before surgery.

After lung resection:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to remove part or all of the affected lung.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any complications or signs of infection.
  3. Patient may experience pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient begins a rehabilitation program to improve lung function and overall physical strength.
  5. Patient is discharged from the hospital and continues to follow up with their healthcare team for monitoring and support.
  6. Patient may experience long-term complications such as postoperative atrial fibrillation, which may require additional treatment and monitoring.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the lung resection surgery?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How will my lung function be affected after the surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
  6. How will my overall health and quality of life be impacted by the surgery?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery?
  8. What are the signs and symptoms of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) that I should watch out for?
  9. How will POAF be monitored and treated if it occurs?
  10. What are the long-term implications of experiencing POAF after lung resection surgery?

Reference

Authors: Crispi V, Isaac E, Abah U, Shackcloth M, Lopez E, Eadington T, Taylor M, Kandadai R, Marshall NR, Gurung A, Rogers LJ, Marchbank A, Qadri S, Loubani M. Journal: Postgrad Med J. 2022 Mar;98(1157):177-182. doi: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-138904. Epub 2020 Dec 11. PMID: 33310899