Lung function following upper sleeve lobectomy for bronchogenic carcinoma.

Eight patients who underwent upper sleeve lobectomy and six who underwent upper simple lobectomy for lung cancer were studied. The two groups were matched for age and preoperative lung function as assessed by standard spirometry. Post-operative lung function studies, including measurements of regional ventilation (Vr) and perfusion (Qr) by 133 Xenon technique showed that: 1) two weeks after surgery, forced expiratory volume at 1 s was more reduced after simple than after sleeve lobectomy, but in both groups Vr and its vertical gradient were similarly reduced in the operated lung compared to the contralateral; 2) one year after sleeve lobectomy, the vertical gradient of Vr tended to disappear in both lungs while Vr and Vr/Qr of the operated side increased significantly. These results indicate that early after surgery lung function may be less impaired after sleeve than simple lobectomy; however, long-term changes of regional lung function may occur after sleeve lobectomy resulting into a high Vr/Qr ratio in the operated lung.