Lung volume reduction surgery for chronic pulmonary emphysema in elderly patients

We have performed thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for severe chronic pulmonary emphysema irrespective of the patient's age. Between May 1993 and April 2004, 9 patients older than 75 years underwent LVRS at our hospital. Three of the 9 patients substantially improved lung function and quality of life after LVRS. One patient slightly improved them but went back to the preoperative condition 5 years after LVRS. The other 5 patients showed no clinical improvement after LVRS, 3 of the 5 developed CO2 narcosis and failed weaning from the respirator. Although patient's age older than 75 years is not contra-indication for LVRS, careful selection is needed for LVRS in elderly patients.