Complications after lung volume reduction surgery

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is associated with greater morbidity and mortality than the majority of general thoracic surgical operations. Although some centers performing LVRS had good results and acceptable morbidity in 1994 to 1995 , the high rates of morbidity and mortality at other centers led Medicare to stop coverage for the procedure. The results of the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) show that the procedure can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality.

Source: Chest Surgery Clinics of North America - November 1, 2003 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Robert J McKenna Source Type: research