Open versus laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A comparison of postoperative pulmonary function.

Upper abdominal surgery is associated with characteristic changes in pulmonary function which increase the risk of lower lobe atelectasis. Sixteen patients undergoing open cholecystectomy and 20 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were prospectively evaluated by pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume [FEV-1], and forced expiratory flow [FEF] 25% to 75%) before operation and on the morning after surgery to determine if the laparoscopic technique lessens the pulmonary risk. Fraction of the baseline pulmonary function was calculated by dividing the postoperative pulmonary function by the preoperative pulmonary function and multiplying by 100%. Postoperative FVC measured 52% of preoperative function for open cholecystectomy and 73% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.002). Postoperative FEV-1 measured 53% of baseline function for open cholecystectomy and 72% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.006). Postoperative FEF 25% to 75% measured 53% for open cholecystectomy and 81% for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (p = 0.07). It is concluded that laparoscopic cholecystectomy offers improved pulmonary function compared to the open technique.     

The effects of different abdominal pressures on pulmonary function test results in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

This study aimed to examine the effects of differing intra-abdominal pressures on pulmonary function test results in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Forty-five patients were operated on under 3 different intra-abdominal pressures: group A (8 mm Hg), group B (12 mm Hg), and group C (15 mm Hg). On the first day before and after the operation, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC rate, peak expiratory flow speed (PEF), and maximal middle expiration speed (FEF25-75) values were measured using Vmax 229 spirometry. No significant differences were observed among the 3 groups regarding preoperative and postoperative FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, and FEF25-75 values (P=0.96, P=0.73, P=0.48, P=0.34, and P=0.33, respectively). When the groups' preoperative and postoperative values were compared, FVC, FEV1, and PEF values significantly decreased in each group. The FEF25-75 values statistically significantly decreased in groups B and C when compared with their preoperative values; however, the decrease in group A was not significant. In conclusion, different intra-abdominal pressures during laparoscopic cholecystectomy had similar effects on pulmonary function test results. However, lower intra-abdominal pressures were associated with slightly more negative effects on FEF25-75 values.     

老年患者腹部手术对呼吸功能的影响

目的评价老年患者腹部手术后呼吸功能的变化及其影响因素.方法60岁以上(包括60岁)择期腹部手术患者35例,分别在手术前和手术后第1、3、5、10d,应用脉冲振荡肺功能测定仪(IOS)测定最大肺活量(VCmax);用力肺活量(FVC)、第1s用力呼气容积(FEV10)、FEV1.0/FVC、最大通气量(MVV);呼气流速峰值(PEF)、用力肺活量为25%、50%和75%时的气流量(FEF25、FEF50、和FEF7s);中心气道阻力(Rc)、周边气道阻力(Rp)、共振频率(Fres)、呼吸总阻抗(Zrs)以及不同振荡频率下的通气阻力5赫兹时呼吸阻力(R5)、20赫兹时呼吸阻力(R20)和5赫兹时呼吸电抗(X5).结果与手术前相比,手术后第1、3、5dVCmax、FVC、FEV10、MVV、PEF、FEF25、FEF50均明显降低(P<0.01),并以手术后第1d最为明显,手术后第1dFres、Zrs和R5明显增加(P<0.01或0.05),而R20和R5不变.年龄70～79岁组较60～69岁组患者手术前和手术后第1、3、5dFEF10、MVV、PEF均显著降低(P<0.01或0.05);手术前ASA≥Ⅱ级患者肺通气功能(PEF、MVV)明显低于ASAⅠ级患者(P<0.05或0.01),而麻醉类型、手术部位、伤口疼痛程度、手术时间、术后胃肠减压持续时间及患者体重系数对手术后肺通气功能无明显影响(P>0.05).结论老年患者腹部手术后呼吸功能的改变主要发生于手术后早期,除表现为限制性通气障碍外,还存在阻塞性通气障碍,其改变程度与患者的年龄和术前伴随疾病有关.     

The effect of thoracic epidural analgesia on respiratory function after cholecystectomy

To assess the effect of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) on postoperative respiratory function and pulmonary complications, a prospective randomized trial was conducted in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. One hundred patients were allocated to TEA (n = 30), TEA + general anesthesia (TEA + GA) (n = 30), or general anaesthesia (GA) (n = 40) groups. Respiratory function was analysed by measuring forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), functional residual capacity (FRC), total lung capacity (TLC), peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the supine and sitting postures, and arterial blood gases. Postoperative pulmonary complications were carefully documented. TEA significantly prevented the postoperative deterioration of respiratory function as compared with general anaesthesia. FVC, FEV1 and PEF decreased by 20% in patients receiving TEA, in contrast to 55% in patients after GA on the day of operation. This improvement continued until the 2nd day after operation, when FVC, FEV1 and PEF and their recovery rates were equal in all groups. In the sitting posture the preoperative FVC, FEV1 and PEF were about 10% greater than in the supine position. After operation, this difference was further increased. The preoperative difference of 27% in FRC between the sitting and supine postures was maintained after operation. PaO2 decreased by 0.8 kPa after TEA, by 1.5 kPa after TEA + GA with the lowest value on the 2nd postoperative day and by 1.5 kPa after GA, with the lowest value immediately after operation. Simultaneous hypercarbia indicated hypoventilation, which may have contributed to impaired respiratory function on the following days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

腹腔镜上腹部与下腹部手术后肺功能的比较研究

目的:比较上腹部腹腔镜胆囊切除术(laparoscopic cholecystectomy,LC)、下腹部腹腔镜阑尾切除术(laparoscopic appendectomy,LA)、腹腔镜经腹腔腹膜前疝修补术(transabdominal preperitoneal,TAPP)对患者术后肺功能改变的影响。方法:将50例患者根据疾病分为3组,A组行LC(n=20),B组行LA(n=14),C组行TAPP(n=16)。分别于术后6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h检查一次肺功能。结果:A组患者术后肺功能明显改变,用力肺活量(forced vital capacity,FVC)、一秒用力呼气容积(forced expiratory volume in one second,FEV1)、最大呼气中段流量(maximal midexpiratory flow curve,MMF)等肺功能指标均明显下降,B、C组患者术后当天肺功能仅有轻微改变。3组间,术后6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h痛觉评分(visual analogue scale,VAS)差异无统计学意义。结论:腹腔镜下腹部手术(LA、TAPP)后肺功能的改变小于上腹部腹腔镜手术(LC),腹腔镜手术部位对肺功能的改变情况有重要作用。     

腹腔镜胆囊切除术中气腹对呼吸系统功能的影响

目的:探讨腹腔镜胆囊切除术(LC)和开腹胆囊切除术(OC)对患者肺功能的影响,比较两种术式的安全性。方法:选择LC患者20例,OC患者20例,分别于手术前和手术后第1、3天复查,测定项目包括用力肺活量(FVC)、1 s用力呼气容积(FEV1)、最大呼气中段流量(FEF 25%~75%)、最大呼气流速(PEF)、最大通气量(MVV)、肺活量(VC)以及深吸气量(IC),并进行对比。结果:两组病例之间比较,所有指标在手术后3d差异仍有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:LC对机体的肺功能影响小,是一种安全可靠的手术方式。     

Postoperative pulmonary dysfunction after bilateral inguinal hernia repair: a prospective randomized study comparing the Stoppa procedure with laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair (TEPP)

The infraumbilical incision required for open repair of bilateral inguinal hernia with a giant prosthesis is associated with postoperative pain and respiratory impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative respiratory dysfunction after bilateral hernia surgery. Thirty-nine patients were randomized into two groups: open repair according to the Stoppa technique and laparoscopic extraperitoneal repair (TEPP). Respiratory function tests were performed before and 24 hours after surgery. The two groups were well matched for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) risk score, type of hernia, and preoperative lung function. The postoperative forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1.0) were significantly altered in both groups. The PEF dropped 15% in both groups. The FVC dropped 22% after Stoppa versus 25% after laparoscopy (P = 0.7). The FEV 1.0 dropped 21% after Stoppa versus 9% after laparoscopy (P = 0.12). We conclude that laparoscopic preperitoneal and open bilateral hernia repair are followed by similar ventilatory dysfunction, although a trend toward better postoperative FEV 1.0 was noted after laparoscopy. This might play a role in selected patients with severe pulmonary limitations. Overall, the limited drop in pulmonary function following bilateral hernia repair under general anesthesia may serve to explain the low pulmonary morbidity that follows these procedures.     

Familial aggregation of FEF(25-75) and FEF(25-75)/FVC in families with severe, early onset COPD

BACKGROUND: The Boston Early-Onset COPD study showed that current or ex-smoking first degree relatives of severe early onset COPD probands have significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) and FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) values than current or ex-smoking control subjects, which suggests the existence of genetic risk factors for the development of COPD in response to cigarette smoking. We hypothesised that first degree relatives of early onset COPD probands may also have lower values of spirometric parameters such as forced expiratory flow at the mid-portion of forced vital capacity (FEF(25-75)) and FEF(25-75)/FVC. METHODS: Using generalised estimating equations, FEF(25-75) and FEF(25-75)/FVC were analysed in 333 first degree relatives of probands with severe early onset COPD and 83 population based controls; analyses were also performed on data stratified by smoking status. Narrow sense heritability estimates were calculated using a variance component approach. RESULTS: Significantly lower FEF(25-75) and FEF(25-75)/FVC were observed in smoking (FEF(25-75): beta -0.788 l/s (95% CI -1.118 to -0.457), FEF(25-75)/FVC: beta -20.4% (95% CI -29.3 to -11.6, p<0.0001 for both phenotypes) and non-smoking (FEF(25-75): beta -0.357 l/s (95% CI -0.673 to -0.041, p = 0.0271), FEF(25-75)/FVC: beta -9.5% (95% CI -17.1 to -1.9, p = 0.0145)) first degree relatives of early onset COPD probands. Narrow sense heritability estimates for FEF(25-75) (h(2) = 0.38) and FEF(25-75)/FVC (h(2) = 0.45) were similar to those for FEV(1) and FEV(1)/FVC. CONCLUSION: Lower values of FEF(25-75) and FEF(25-75)/FVC in non-smoking first degree relatives of early onset COPD probands than in controls suggest a genetic susceptibility to develop obstructive lung disease, independent of smoking, which is magnified by exposure to deleterious environments as suggested by the further decrements in FEF(25-75) and FEF(25-75)/FVC seen in smoking first degree relatives. FEF(25-75) and FEF(25-75)/FVC have high heritability and are important intermediate phenotypes for inclusion in genetic epidemiological studies of COPD.     

Respiratory Performance after Upper Abdominal Surgery. A Comparison of Pain Relief with Intercostal Blocks and Centrally Acting Analgesics

The respiratory capacity was studied during the first 2 days postoperatively in 94 patients, aged 19 to 75 years and undergoing surgery through an upper abdominal incision. Postoperative pain relief was randomly administered, either by intercostal block (i.c.b.) and centrally acting analgesics on demand, or by centrally acting analgesics alone. Respiratory studies comprising forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) and analysis of arterial blood gases were made. Bilateral i.c.b. given after surgery performed through a midline incision did not improve the respiratory function, whereas unilateral i.c.b. after surgery through a subcostal incision had positive effects. Thus postoperative i.c.b. following cholecystectomy performed through a subcostal incision resulted in higher FVC, FEV1 and PEF values than without i.c.b. at least during the time of effective nerve block. I.c.b. after subcostal incision also improved arterial oxygen tension. The patients undergoing cholecystectomy and receiving a second i.c.b. 8 h after the first one had better respiratory function than the patients without any block during the first 2 days postoperatively.     

A prospective study of respiratory failure after high-risk surgery on the thoracoabdominal aorta

From June 1960 to September 1990, 1414 patients underwent repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, of whom 112 (8%) had pulmonary complications requiring respiratory support with tracheostomy; subsequently 45 (40%) died in the hospital. We determined by stepwise logistic regression analysis, in a prospective study of high-risk type I and II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms repairs, the independent predictors of respiratory failure, defined as respiratory ventilation exceeding 48 hours after operation. In 98 patients studied, 38 (39%) were women, 60 (61%) were men, 54 (55%) had type II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, 34 (35%) had aortic dissection, 19 (19%) were nonsmokers, 40 (41%) exsmokers, and 39 (40%) active smokers. Before operation, 55 (56%) had chronic pulmonary disease with respiratory failure developing in 58% (p = 0.0005 versus no chronic pulmonary disease, 10/43, 23%), and of the 26 patients in the lower quarter of forced expiratory volume (1 sec) (FEV1 less than or equal to 1.45 L) respiratory failure developed in 61% (p = 0.035). In-hospital survival was 98% and 83% (p = 0.008), respectively, and cumulative survival at 6 months by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 96% and 80% (p = 0.004, log-rank test), respectively, for patients without respiratory failure (N = 56/98, 57%) and with respiratory failure (N = 42/98, 43%). On univariate analysis, the following were associated with respiratory failure (p less than 0.05): FEV1, FEV1% predicted, FVC, FEF25, FEF25% predicted, FEF25-75, FEF25-75% predicted, PaCO2 Pao2, symptoms, smoking history, chronic pulmonary disease, cryoprecipitate volume, postoperative neuromuscular deficit, cardiac complications, reoperation for bleeding, renal complication, stress ulceration, postoperative creatinine level, postoperative dialysis, and postoperative encephalopathy. The independent predictors of respiratory failure were (p less than 0.05): chronic pulmonary disease, smoking history, cardiac and renal complications. In patients with chronic pulmonary disease, the only independent predictor was FEF25 (p = 0.030). These observations may be of value in selecting patients for elective operation.     

腹腔镜与开腹脾切除术对肺功能影响的对比研究

目的:对比分析腹腔镜脾切除术与开腹脾切除术对肺功能的影响。方法:选择需行脾切除术的38例患者,随机分为腔镜组(n=19)与开腹组(n=19)。分别记录两组患者术前1天及术后24 h的用力肺活量(forced vital capacity,FVC)及第1秒用力呼气容积(forced expiratory volume in 1 second,FEV1)。结果:两组患者术前FVC、FEV1实测值差异无统计学意义,术后24 h腹腔镜组FVC、FEV1实测值高于开腹组,差异有统计学意义。结论:腹腔镜脾切除术对肺功能的影响小于开腹脾切除术,具有手术创伤小、对呼吸系统影响小的优点。     

Spirometry as a preoperative screening test in morbidly obese patients

We performed spirometry on 114 morbidly obese patients considered for gastric bypass surgery to assess its efficacy as a preoperative screening test. One hundred eight subjects underwent surgery, and 61 patients returned for repeat spirometry 1 year later. The average preoperative forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and mid flow (FEF25-75%) were 100% of predicted. Spirometry identified no more of our obese subjects as abnormal than would have been identified in a group of healthy, nonobese individuals. Each surgical case was reviewed. An abnormal preoperative spirogram did not identify the patients who experienced postoperative complications. Weight loss was associated with very small increases in FVC (300 ml) and FEV1 (245 ml). Preoperative spirometric testing is not indicated in morbidly obese patients with no other identifiable risk factors for postoperative respiratory complications.     

Assessment of pulmonary function in patients before and after laparoscopic and open esophagogastric surgery

Background Laparoscopy is a technique used in various surgical procedures. Few studies in the literature compare stress between laparoscopic and open surgery used for esophagogastric surgical procedures. Pulmonary function is known to be significantly affected in open surgeries, increasing postoperative morbidity and mortality. The current study aimed to assess pulmonary function in patients before and after open and laparoscopic esophagogastric surgery.Methods For this study, 75 patients were divided into two groups: 50 patients undergoing laparoscopy and 25 patients undergoing open surgery. The following parameters were determined by spirometry before and after surgery: forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory flow in the midexpiratory phase (FEF_25–75%).Results A decrease in FEV_1, FVC, and FEF_(25–75%) was observed in the two groups on postoperative days 2, 3, and 4, as compared with the preoperative period. Likewise, FEV₁ and FVC showed a significant reduction on postoperative days 2, 3, and 4 in the patients who underwent to open surgery, but only on the day 2 in those who underwent to laparoscopic surgery. A significant decrease in FEF_(25–75%) was observed only on postoperative day 2 in the group that underwent open surgery. Significant differences in FEV₁ between the groups were observed on postoperative days 2, 3, and 4. No significant difference in FVC was noted between the groups, and a difference in FEF_(25–75%) was observed only on postoperative day 4.Conclusions Postoperative pulmonary dysfunction was more important for the patients undergoing open surgery than for those undergoing laparoscopic surgery.     

Forced expiratory indices in normal Libyan men.

Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced expiratory ratio in the first second (FEV1% VC), forced expiratory flow between 200 and 1200 ml (FEF200-1200), and forced mid expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of FVC (FMF) were measured in 275 Libyan men ranging from 20 to 60 years. All values were lower with increasing age and, apart from FEV1% VC, were positively correlated with standing height. This study can be used as a source of reference for Libyan men.     

The effects of isothermic and hypothermic carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum on respiratory function test results

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: This study investigated the effects of isothermic and hypothermic carbon dioxide, used for pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, on respiratory function test results. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. The patients were divided into two groups. Carbon dioxide at 37 degrees C (isothermic) was used in the isothermic group, and carbon dioxide at 21 degrees C (hypothermic) was used in the hypothermic group. Respiratory function tests were performed in the preoperative period and at 12 h after the operation. RESULTS: Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), maximum peak expiratory flow (PEF), and the FEV1/FVC ratio were significantly higher in the isothermic group than in the hypothermic group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using isothermic carbon dioxide for pneumoperitoneum has fewer negative effects than hypothermic carbon dioxide on respiratory function tests results. Isothermic carbon dioxide may be preferable for patients with respiratory problems.     

Pulmonary function after laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND: Laparotomy causes a significant reduction of pulmonary function, and atelectasis and pneumonia occur after open cholecystectomy. In this prospective, randomized study, we evaluated the hypothesis that pulmonary function is less restricted after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) than after open cholecystectomy (OC). METHODS: Sixty patients underwent laparoscopic (n = 30) or open (n = 30) cholecystectomy. The two groups did not differ significantly in age, sex, intraoperative findings, and preoperative pulmonary function. Pulmonary function tests, arterial blood-gas analysis, and chest radiographs were obtained in both groups before operation and on postoperative day 1. RESULTS: The forced expiratory volume in 1 s (mean +/- SD values; OC, 1.49 +/- 0.77 L/s; LC, 2.33 +/- 0.80 L/s; p > 0.0001) and the forced vital capacity (OC, 2.40 +/- 0.66 L; LC, 2.93 +/- 1.05 L; p > 0.01) were more suppressed in patients having OC than in those having LC. Similar results were found for the peak expiratory flow (OC, 3.51 +/- 1.35 L/s; LC, 4.27 +/- 1.66 L/s; p > 0.05), expiratory reserve volume (OC, 0.73 +/- 0.34 L; LC, 0.92 +/- 0.43 L; p > 0.05), and the midexpiratory phase of forced expiratory flow (FEF25-75) (OC, 1.45 +/- 0.54 L/s; LC, 1.60 +/- 0.73 L/s; NS). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with a significantly lower incidence of (30 vs 70%) and less severe atelectasis and better oxygenation. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary function is better preserved after LC than after OC.     

Comparison of magnesium sulfate with opioid and NSAIDs on postoperative pain management after coronary artery bypass surgery

OBJECTIVE: This study measured the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate during and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on postoperative pain and respiratory functions, and compared it with 2 other well-known and widely used analgesic agents: codeine and diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). DESIGN: Prospective unblinded study. Setting: Single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing CABG. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 3 groups. In group A (n = 50), intraoperative magnesium sulfate, 2 g/70 kg, was infused intravenously and was continued during the first 3 days postoperatively. In group B (n = 50), codeine, 60 mg/70 kg, was given orally 4 times a day for 3 days. In group C (n = 50), diclofenac sodium, 75 mg, was given orally twice a day for 3 days. MAIN RESULTS: On the first postoperative day the visual analog scale (VAS) score was greater than 5 in all groups. On the second day the VAS score was greater than 5 in groups B and C, and was less than 5 in group A. On the third day the VAS score was less than 5 in all groups. During the first 2 postoperative days the need for morphine was significantly less in group A than in the other 2 groups. Preoperative respiratory function tests (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC) were similar in each group. The FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC values on the postoperative first, second, and third days were significantly higher in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Magnesium sulfate can be a beneficial adjuvant therapy for pain after CABG. In this respect, especially in patients with respiratory problems or intolerance to NSAIDs, magnesium sulfate can be a better choice than NSAIDs and opioids.     

Physiological and metabolic responses to open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

This study examined respiratory function and metabolic and subjective responses in patients undergoing laparoscopic (n = 10) and open (n = 11) cholecystectomy for chronic cholecystitis and biliary colic. Patient groups were matched for age, sex, weight and height. The duration of operation was similar in both groups. Respiratory function tests (vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak flow and arterial blood gases), urinary cortisol, vanillylmandelic acid, metanephrines and nitrogen loss, serum complement component C3 and C-reactive protein (CRP), full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and subjective responses as assessed on a pain analogue scale and by analgesic usage were determined for up to 48 h after surgery. Deterioration in perioperative respiratory function was significantly less for laparoscopic surgery. Arterial blood gas determinations indicated a greater perioperative decrease in arterial pH, with carbon dioxide retention in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy (P < 0.02), reflecting poorer respiratory performance. Hormonal profile changes demonstrated an increase in urinary vanillylmandelic acid in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P < 0.04); no differences were detected in urinary cortisol, metanephrine or nitrogen excretion. Acute-phase responses were greatest in patients undergoing open cholecystectomy as determined by ESR and CRP level (P < 0.02 and P < 0.003, respectively). Pain and analgesic usage were significantly decreased in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group (P < 0.0009) and P < 0.0001), which led to a decreased hospital stay after operation in these patients (P < 0.0001). These data indicate improved respiratory and subjective responses and diminished acute-phase responses associated with laparoscopic surgery. Catabolic hormone release may, however, be increased.     

A comparative study between preoperative and postoperative pulmonary functions and diaphragmatic movements in congenital craniovertebral junction anomalies

Respiratory dysfunctions in patients with craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomalies may occur due to compression of brainstem affecting the respiratory centers, and weakening of the muscles of respiration. We assessed pulmonary functions [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), maximum mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25%-75%), FEV1%], mouth pressures (maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure), and diaphragmatic movements in 30 patients of CVJ anomalies and compared them with their mean predictive values. These parameters were also assessed in the postoperative period. It was found that the mean values of FVC, FEV1, and FEF25%-75% were significantly lower (P<0.001) than their mean predictive values (2.4+/-0.8 L, 2.0+/-0.7 L, 2.5+/-0.9 L vs. 3.7+/-0.9 L, 3.2+/-0.7 L, and 3.4+/-0.7 L, respectively). In the postoperative period there was significant reduction (P<0.05) in all these parameters (2.2+/-0.8 L, 1.7+/-0.7 L, and 2.1+/-0.8 L, respectively). The postoperative FEV1% was 78.8% compared with the preoperative value of 85.7%. A restrictive pattern of lung disease was observed which persisted in the postoperative period. The postoperative maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure were comparable to their preoperative values (47.9+/-19.6 and 47.0+/-16.7 cmH2O vs. 42.6+/-17.3 and 43.9+/-18.2 cmH2O, respectively). Similarly, the diaphragmatic movements were also comparable to the preoperative values, both during quiet and deep breathing (13.7+/-3.9 and 38.0+/-9.3 mm vs. 13.8+/-3.9 and 39.0+/-9.1 mm, respectively). There was no improvement of pulmonary functions in the early postoperative period. However, a long-term follow-up is needed to determine subsequent changes of these parameters.     

Pulmonary function studies in healthy Pakistani adults.

Predicted normal spirometric values have been shown to have significant geographical and ethnic variation. These variations are of epidemiological significance in determining the prevalence of disease and of clinical importance in measuring the effects on pulmonary function of various diseases. A total of 599 men were chosen from employees of a package manufacturer, a general hospital in Lahore, and a village in northern Pakistan; 94 students and staff of a women's college in Lahore were also studied. The forced vital capacity (FVC) was recorded from three satisfactory efforts, and the FVC, one second forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and maximal midexpiratory flow (MMF, or FEF25-75%) were calculated from the best FVC effort. The FVC and FEV1 in men were found to be similar to those of a group of emigrant Pakistanis and a north-western Indian population (Delhi) but higher than populations in south and eastern India. Pakistani women had values similar to those of women in northern India. None of the women smoked and, among Pakistani men, the smokers (285) averaged 6.7 pack years. While the FVC and FEV1 values did not differ between smokers and non-smokers, there was a significant difference in MMF (FEF25-75%) in the two groups. This latter finding corroborates studies on North American populations in which smokers generally have had a higher lifelong cigarette consumption. This confirms the MMF (FEF25-75%) to be a more sensitive test of subtle, asymptomatic changes in pulmonary function than the more widely used FVC and FEV1.