BACKGROUND: In this study, we prospectively analyzed the functional outcome and the survival after lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in patients with end-stage emphysema who were initially potential candidates for lung transplantation (LTX), and investigated the impact of LVRS on posttransplant course in patients who underwent LTX after LVRS. METHODS: Of the 216 patients who underwent LVRS between 1994 and 2005, 58 were potential candidates for LTX at the time of LVRS (age 65 years or younger, forced expiratory volume in 1 second 25% of predicted or less; LVRS/LTX group). Lung-volume reduction surgery was performed by means of video-assisted, bilateral stapled resection of target areas. During the same period, 31 patients underwent primary LTX for end-stage emphysema (LTX group). Spirometry, plethysmography, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, 6-minute walking distance, and dyspnea score were assessed preoperatively and at predetermined times after operation. Survival analysis was performed by use of the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: All the functional variables significantly improved after LVRS and peaked within the first year. Subjective improvement was observed for up to 5 years after LVRS, and 53% (31 of 58) of the patients were still alive and had not undergone transplantation after a median follow-up of 44 months. Fourteen percent (8 of 58) of the patients underwent secondary LTX because of progressive worsening of the respiratory function after a median bridging time between LVRS and LTX of 33 months. Postoperative recovery after transplantation and median survival time were comparable between the 8 patients of the LVRS/LTX group and the 31 patients of the LTX group (96.5 months versus 118.5 months, p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Lung-volume reduction surgery can significantly improve symptoms and lung function in selected patients who are initially potential candidates for LTX. Lung-volume reduction surgery can allow the postponement of LTX for up to 4 to 5 years and does not impair the chances for a subsequent successful LTX.
BACKGROUND: In this study, we prospectively analyzed the functional outcome and the survival after lung-volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in patients with end-stage emphysema who were initially potential candidates for lung transplantation (LTX), and investigated the impact of LVRS on posttransplant course in patients who underwent LTX after LVRS. METHODS: Of the 216 patients who underwent LVRS between 1994 and 2005, 58 were potential candidates for LTX at the time of LVRS (age 65 years or younger, forced expiratory volume in 1 second 25% of predicted or less; LVRS/LTX group). Lung-volume reduction surgery was performed by means of video-assisted, bilateral stapled resection of target areas. During the same period, 31 patients underwent primary LTX for end-stage emphysema (LTX group). Spirometry, plethysmography, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, 6-minute walking distance, and dyspnea score were assessed preoperatively and at predetermined times after operation. Survival analysis was performed by use of the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: All the functional variables significantly improved after LVRS and peaked within the first year. Subjective improvement was observed for up to 5 years after LVRS, and 53% (31 of 58) of the patients were still alive and had not undergone transplantation after a median follow-up of 44 months. Fourteen percent (8 of 58) of the patients underwent secondary LTX because of progressive worsening of the respiratory function after a median bridging time between LVRS and LTX of 33 months. Postoperative recovery after transplantation and median survival time were comparable between the 8 patients of the LVRS/LTX group and the 31 patients of the LTX group (96.5 months versus 118.5 months, p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Lung-volume reduction surgery can significantly improve symptoms and lung function in selected patients who are initially potential candidates for LTX. Lung-volume reduction surgery can allow the postponement of LTX for up to 4 to 5 years and does not impair the chances for a subsequent successful LTX.