Evaluation of Late Postoperative Pulmonary Function Following Lobectomy in Patients With Tubercular and Non-tubercular Lung Diseases.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary function testing, especially spirometry, is essential for assessing patients after pulmonary resection for tubercular and non-tubercular diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of death globally, while other non-tubercular conditions such as lung abscess, bullous disease, and bronchiectasis also require lobectomy. This study aimed to compare late postoperative pulmonary function following lobectomy between TB and non-TB patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 60 patients (30 TB, 30 non-TB) who underwent lobectomy at the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital between January 2022 and June 2023. Pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry, measuring forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV). The FEV/FVC ratio was also calculated to assess the presence and severity of obstructive or restrictive lung patterns. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews.

RESULTS

Among TB patients, 86.67% had postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV) <2 L, compared to 60% in non-TB patients (p<0.05). Postoperative forced vital capacity (FVC) ≥2 L was found in 40% of TB and 43.33% of non-TB patients (p<0.05). Although FEV/FVC improved in both groups, the difference was not statistically significant. Hospital stay, intraoperative bleeding, lobe involvement, and underlying disease showed significant differences between groups.

CONCLUSION

Non-TB patients demonstrated better postoperative pulmonary function than TB patients. These findings may guide perioperative planning and help reduce complications following lobectomy.