Results of lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema

Over the last century a number of surgical interventions have been proposed to improve the symptoms and quality of life in patients who have severe emphysema. Costochondrectomy and thoracoplasty were performed in an attempt to alter the configuration of the chest cavity, and phrenic nerve ablation or induced pneumoperitoneum were attempted to restore the curvature of the diaphragm. Numerous efforts were made to treat the airway component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using airway de-enervation procedures or prosthetic devices to support the membranous trachea. Improvement of pulmonary blood flow was the intent of pleurodesis. Each of these procedures enjoyed a period of popularity, but each was ultimately found to be ill-advised, resulting in severe, life-threatening complications with negligible clinical benefit .
Source: Chest Surgery Clinics of North America - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Source Type: research