Lung volume reduction surgery and nutritional status in patients with severe emphysema

Objective: We studied the short-term effect of lung volume reduction surgery on nutritional status including body composition and the relationship between preoperative nutritional status and postoperative morbidity.Methods: Subjects were 28 patients with emphysema who underwent bilateal thoracoscopic lung volume reduction surgery (23 simultaneously, 5 staged). Functional tests, body weight, and body composition were measured before and 6 months after surgery. Fat-free mass and fat mass were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis.Results: FEV₁₀ improved 35.2% following surgery and maximal oxygen uptake 23.8%. Body weight and fat-free mass increased significantly after surgery, while fat mass was unchanged. Of the 23 undergoing simultaneous bilateral lung volume reduction surgery, 8 had major complications-3 required additional surgery to close air leaks, 3 required mechanical ventilation (>72 hrs), and 2 developed postoperative infection. The preoperative percentage of ideal body weight and fat-free mass was significantly higher among patients without major complications.Conclusions: Bilateral lung volume reduction surgery increases fat-free mass and provides functional improvement for underweight patients with severe emphysema. We found fat-free mass and body weight to be good predictors of unacceptable postoperative complications following bilateral lung volume reduction surgery.