Implication of altered pulmonary function in pneumonectomy for tuberculous destroyed lung

Twelve patients undergoing pneumonectomy for tuberculous destroyed lung were studied to determine the value of preoperative spirometry in the assessment of their pulmonary reserve, and prediction of their post-operative morbidity. Preoperatively, the functional losses were evidenced by mean values of FVC of 56.4%, FEV1 of 48.9% and PEFR of 65.8%--all expressed as percentage of predicted normals. No significant alteration occurred in pulmonary function post-pneumonectomy. All patients were in Class 1 (HYHA) pre- and post-operatively. It is concluded that operability in these patients cannot be based on spirometry alone but must include the preoperative assessment of clinical (symptomatic) stage and cardiovascular status.