Our Summary

This study compared two treatments for reducing lung volume: surgery and a procedure using endobronchial valves. They measured the effectiveness of the treatments using the amount of air a person can force out of their lungs in one second, the amount of air left in the lungs after exhaling fully, and the distance a person can walk in six minutes. They also compared the costs of each procedure. The study included 67 patients, both men and women, with an average age of about 68 years. The results showed that both treatments were about the same in terms of effectiveness and cost. The valve treatment might be a cost-effective alternative for certain measures, and it improved the quality of life by a small amount. However, the researchers couldn’t say for sure which treatment is better in terms of cost-effectiveness. Future trials comparing the two treatments may be able to answer this question.

FAQs

  1. What were the two treatments compared in this study for reducing lung volume?
  2. How were the effectiveness of the treatments measured in this study?
  3. Did the study find one treatment to be more cost-effective than the other?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about lung surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as avoiding food and drink before the surgery and stopping certain medications as directed. It is also important to follow post-operative instructions, such as taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in any recommended rehabilitation or physical therapy. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare team throughout the entire process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended lung surgery include those with severe emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that is not responding well to other treatments such as medications or pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients with lung cancer, lung infections, or other conditions that require removal of part of the lung may also be recommended for lung surgery.

Timeline

Before lung surgery:

  • Patient undergoes preoperative evaluations, including imaging tests and blood work
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications or adjust their diet
  • Patient meets with their surgical team to discuss the procedure and recovery process
  • Patient may undergo pulmonary rehabilitation to improve lung function and overall health

After lung surgery:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any complications
  • Patient may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover
  • Patient will work with physical therapists to improve breathing and mobility
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Patient may need to continue pulmonary rehabilitation to regain strength and function in the lungs

Overall, the recovery process after lung surgery can vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure performed. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare team’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific type of lung surgery being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this type of lung surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after the surgery?
  4. How will my lung function be affected by the surgery, and what can I expect in terms of breathing ability post-surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider besides surgery?
  6. How many of these surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. What are the long-term outcomes and prognosis for patients who undergo this type of lung surgery?
  8. How will my quality of life be impacted by the surgery, and what can I do to maximize my recovery and overall health?
  9. What are the financial costs and insurance coverage considerations for this type of surgery?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the surgery to support my lung health?

Reference

Authors: Franzen D, Bodmer C, Ehrenbaum S, Steinack C, Opitz I, Docter K, Schöffski O. Journal: Swiss Med Wkly. 2022 Nov 11;152:40008. doi: 10.57187/smw.2022.40008. PMID: 36509427