[Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema].

In recent years, several institutions have been performing lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for emphysema, and have reported that LVRS is effective for patients with emphysema that is resistant to other forms of therapy. However, questions remain about the relationship between the extent of resection and the therapeutic benefits. In our study, 15 men with emphysema underwent thoracoscopic LVRS. We analyzed the effects of LVRS on pulmonary function, exercise performance, and subjective symptoms after both bilateral and unilateral procedures. The patients who underwent the bilateral procedure, demonstrated significantly improved pulmonary function and exercise performance and relief of their subjective symptoms. Those who underwent the unilateral procedure, demonstrated significantly improved pulmonary function and relief of their subjective symptoms. Forced expiratory volume in 1.0 second increased by an average of 51% after the bilateral procedure, and 17% after the unilateral procedure. We conclude that thoracoscopic LVRS is an effective treatment for emphysema, especially with the bilateral procedure.