LVRS

LVRS is a surgical procedure in which damaged lung tissues are removed caused by emphysema. Lvrs can be performed with two methods, one is called open sternum and other procedure is known as video assisted thoracic surgery. The national emphysema treatment trial is created to determine the role, safety and effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery in the treatment of emphysema Indications include emphysema with destruction and hyperinflation, Marked impairment (FEv1 < 35% predicted), Marked restriction activities of daily living, and Failure of maximal medical treatment to correct symptoms. Lvrs has considered to be one of the most desirable procedure to relieve dyspnea in many COPD patients who are not eligible for other procedure. The procedure
Nicholas Hopkinson, a clinical lecturer and hon consultant, from imperial’s national heart and lung institute mentioned in her research she mentioned that there are benefits of LVRS if the patient is selected based on correct indications.” In the study performed at Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS foundation trust, researchers showed that in a series of 81 patients who had undergone the LVRS showed no deaths and only six percent of the patient remained hospitalized for a month. It is important to consider the cost-effectiveness of LVRS. It is with no doubt that LVRS can improve quality of life but it is better to look over the cost it takes for the management of the disease process. In an ATS journal (cost-effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery), there are also risks involved with LVRS, includes air leakage as one of the main concern with the chance of 40%, infection or pneumonia (15%), internal bleeding (2-5%), stroke (1%), heart attack (1%), and death with a chance of 3-8% in the cases if the patient is a poor candidate. The outcome of the LVRS is predicted on two characteristics, first if the emphysema is concentrated on upper lobes and exercise capacity (high or