[Evaluation of the efficacy of the surgical treatment of panlobular emphysema].

26 patients presenting with panlobular emphysema between 1978 and 1984 were submitted to a thoracotomy for surgical resection of their bullae. Pre-operative and post-operative evaluations of the following were made: The level of dyspnoea in 5 grades. The FEV1 (VEMS) the forced vital capacity (CVF) the functional residual capacity (CRF) measured plethysmographically, the residual volume (VR), the total lung capacity (CPT). Arterial blood gases. The presence of radiological signs of compression on pulmonary angiography and on plain chest radiographs: an index of compression rated 0 to 6 was defined at the outset. The subjects were split into 3 groups based on their post-operative respiratory function: Group 1: no improvement (n = 7). Group 2: moderate improvement of dyspnoea (n = 11). Group 3: a big improvement in dyspnoea (n = 7). These three groups were homogenous as regards their preoperative respiratory function. On the other hand, the compression caused by the bullae based on the pre-operative radiological data was much greater (p 0.01) in the group of patients who improved. In addition when the index of compression was equal or superior to 3 (n = 14) all the patients were improved (n = 6). The comparison of pre- and post-operative values shows the following results: The change in blood gases was very limited in all groups; the ventilatory parameters were unchanged in group 1; on the other hand in group 2 and 3 one notes an overall improvement in pulmonary function. The size of the improvement however, was very variable from one individual to another.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)