Evaluation of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (LVRS) Based on Long-term Survival Rate Analysis

Abstract

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an effective therapy for some patients with end-stage emphysema. In most cases, functional improvement is maximized during the first 6 months after surgery and decreases steadily afterwards. This study was aimed at gaining further understanding of the optimal candidates for LVRS and survival rates. 62 patients with LVRS were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Changes in lung function were evaluated by FEV1, VC, RV, TLC, DLCO, PaO2, and PaCO2, and survival rates were analyzed at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Patients with LVRS were divided into two groups--those surviving after 48 months and those not surviving after 48 months--and analyzed according to group. The overall survival rate at 2 years and 4 years was 81.0 % and 67 %, respectively, with LVRS. VC, FEV1, TLC, DLCO, PaO2, and PaCO2 were potential factors leading to mortality according to univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DLCO was the only independent factor that could predict the post-LVRS prognosis; the other factors failed as independent factors. Preoperatively, the FEV1 percentage predicted gave a good index for post-LVRS survival. Patients with higher preoperative FEV1 values had higher survival rates. These favorable long-term survival rates might justify LVRS for treating selected patients with severe emphysema. Additionally, DLCO turned out to be the only predictive factor for high mortality risk 4 years after LVRS. DLCO may thus be a very important marker in surgical planning.