TY - JOUR
T1 - Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema
T2 - Out on a limb without a NETT
AU - Utz, James P.
AU - Hubmayr, Rolf D.
AU - Deschamps, Claude
PY - 1998
Y1 - 1998
N2 - Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has recently been rediscovered and offers the potential of improving the quality of life of patients with advanced emphysema. In this article, we discuss the historical and contemporary versions of LVRS. Although initial enthusiasm has been substantial, existing data seem insufficient to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the procedure in comparison with conventional medical therapy. Fundamental questions remain regarding the long-term effects of an operation versus medical therapy, the optimal selection criteria, the best measures of efficacy, the mechanisms of improvement, the cost-effectiveness of the procedure, and the optimal surgical technique. Until such questions are answered, advising patients about the best management of their emphysema will be difficult. The National Emphysema Treatment Trial will address many of these issues and should be embraced by both health-care providers and patients.
AB - Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has recently been rediscovered and offers the potential of improving the quality of life of patients with advanced emphysema. In this article, we discuss the historical and contemporary versions of LVRS. Although initial enthusiasm has been substantial, existing data seem insufficient to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the procedure in comparison with conventional medical therapy. Fundamental questions remain regarding the long-term effects of an operation versus medical therapy, the optimal selection criteria, the best measures of efficacy, the mechanisms of improvement, the cost-effectiveness of the procedure, and the optimal surgical technique. Until such questions are answered, advising patients about the best management of their emphysema will be difficult. The National Emphysema Treatment Trial will address many of these issues and should be embraced by both health-care providers and patients.
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U2 - 10.4065/73.6.552
DO - 10.4065/73.6.552
M3 - Review article
C2 - 9621865
AN - SCOPUS:0031800240
SN - 0025-6196
VL - 73
SP - 552
EP - 566
JO - Mayo Clinic proceedings
JF - Mayo Clinic proceedings
IS - 6
ER -