Spirometry Function after Decortication for Chronic Pleural Empyema: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Pleural Empyema (CPE) is a major medical concern. It gives rise to “trapped lung” due to the thickened pleural peel. This results in impairment of pulmonary function. The treatment of choice for CPE is open thoracotomy decortication. Aim: To evaluate changes in Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) in an immediate postoperative period of decortication for CPE. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 25 patients who had undergone decortication for CPE in the last one year (from October 2018 to September 2019) were included. Baseline clinical and demographic data were collected. Duration of ICU stay, hospital stay and complications were reviewed. In Preoperative period Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume In First Second (FEV1) was investigated. It was again repeated after 3 and 6 months of postoperative period. Preoperative and postoperative data at 3rd and 6th month were analysed. Percentage change in PFT was assessed. Repeated measure ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: Preoperatively the mean FVC was 2.09 L (56.63%) and the mean FEV1 was 1.82 L (60.26%). The mean FVC, 3 months after surgery was 2.27 L (61.52%) and after 6 months was 2.53 L (68.56%). The mean FEV1, 3 months after surgery was 1.92 L (63.58%) and after 6 months was 2.17 L (71.58%). Spirometry values of FEV1 and FVC improved at 3rd and 6th month, postoperatively. Improvement in these Spirometric values after 6 months was quantified statistically significant. Conclusion: Decortication for CPE resulted in progressive improvement in spirometry values in a follow-up period of 3 and 6 months.