Our Summary

Emphysema is a lung disease that causes shortness of breath, and while there are various drugs and therapies to help manage the symptoms, none can stop the disease from getting worse. Because of this, scientists have been looking for new treatment strategies. One of these is bronchoscopic lung volume reduction, a procedure that was first introduced in 2001 and has been growing in popularity ever since. This paper talks about the latest advancements in this type of procedure and other new treatment strategies, and considers how they might change the future of emphysema treatments.

FAQs

  1. What is bronchoscopic lung volume reduction and when did it originate?
  2. What are the newer developments in bronchoscopic and other novel interventions for emphysema treatment?
  3. How might these novel strategies impact the future of lung reduction interventions?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, such as not eating or drinking before 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 avoiding activities that could strain the lungs during the recovery period. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking and staying physically active, can help improve the success of the surgery and overall lung health.

Suitable For

Patients with severe emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have significant symptoms that are impacting their quality of life and who have not responded well to other treatment options such as medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, or oxygen therapy may be recommended for lung surgery. Additionally, patients with emphysema who have severe hyperinflation and air trapping in their lungs may also be candidates for lung surgery. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers to determine if they are suitable candidates for lung surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before lung surgery:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with emphysema or another lung condition that requires surgical intervention.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to determine if they are a candidate for surgery, including pulmonary function tests, imaging studies, and consultations with various healthcare providers.
  3. Patient may undergo preoperative counseling and education about the surgery and its potential risks and benefits.
  4. Patient may be instructed to quit smoking and make other lifestyle changes to improve their overall health before surgery.

After lung surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure, which may involve a variety of techniques depending on the specific condition being treated (e.g. lung volume reduction surgery, lung transplant, lobectomy, etc.).
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the immediate postoperative period for any complications or signs of infection.
  3. Patient may be provided with pain medication and other supportive care to help manage postoperative discomfort.
  4. Patient undergoes rehabilitation and physical therapy to help improve lung function and overall physical health after surgery.
  5. Patient may require long-term follow-up care to monitor for any potential complications or changes in their lung function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of lung surgery do you recommend for my condition and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be and what can I expect during that time?
  4. Will I need any additional treatments or therapy after the surgery?
  5. How will the surgery affect my lung function and quality of life in the long term?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with surgery?
  7. How experienced is the surgical team in performing this type of procedure?
  8. What kind of follow-up care will be necessary after the surgery?
  9. What lifestyle changes or precautions should I take post-surgery to optimize my recovery?
  10. Are there any specific questions or concerns I should discuss with a pulmonary rehabilitation specialist before or after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Randhawa S, Meyers B. Journal: Thorac Surg Clin. 2021 May;31(2):221-227. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2021.02.003. PMID: 33926675