Lung volume reduction surgery for adults suffering from diffuse emphysema

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) may help to make the lungs work more efficiently in oxygenating blood in people with emphysema. However, this procedure has been the centre of much controversy with its possible benefit being outweighed by harms and cost. This review of eight trials involving 1663 participants found that people undergoing LVRS ran an increased risk of death at three months post-operatively. By the end of follow up in the studies, there was no significant difference in mortality between surgery and non-surgically managed participants. Participants who were characterised by poor lung function and with a particular distribution of diseased tissue in their lungs were at a higher risk of death at three months and throughout one large study. The benefit of surgery in surviving patients was significant in terms of quality of life, exercise capacity and lung function.