Abstract
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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 709-713 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Kyobu geka. The Japanese journal of thoracic surgery |
Volume | 58 |
Issue number | 8 Suppl |
Publication status | Published - 2005 Jul |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)