Changes in Simple Spirometric Parameters After Lobectomy forBronchial Carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to describe the postoperative changes in lung function after pure open lobectomy for lung carcinoma. 30 patients (mean age 64±7 years old, 16 men and 14 women) underwent a left or right lobectomy. They underwent spirometric pulmonary tests preoperatively, and at 1 and 6 months after the operation. The average preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was 2.55±0.62 lt and the mean postoperative FEV1 at 1 and 6 months was 1.97±0.59 lt and 2.15±0.66 lt respectively.The percentage losses for FEV1 were 22.7% and 15.4% after 1 and 6 months respectively. Anaverage percentage increase of 9.4% for FEV1 was estimated at the time of 6 months in comparisonwith this of 1 month after the operation. The average preoperative forced vital capacity (FVC) was3.17±0.81lt and the mean postoperative FVC at 1 and 6 months after the operation was 2.50±0.63 lt and 2.72±0.67 lt respectively. The percentage losses for FVC were 21.1% and 14.2% after 1 and 6months respectively. An average percentage increase of 8.7% was observed at the time period of 6 months in comparison with this of 1 month after the operation. Although, we observed a significant decrease in FEV1 and FVC after the operation,all patients were in excellent clinical status. FEV1 and FVC of 6 months were increased incomparison with the respective values of 1 month after the operation, but did not reach the preoperative values in any patient.