Breathing is something most of us take for granted. It’s an unconscious act that is as natural as blinking or yawning. Unfortunately, for those living with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), each breath can be a struggle, and a constant reminder of the limitations imposed by their condition. The simple act of climbing a flight of stairs or trying to catch the bus becomes daunting, leaving patients gasping for air and longing for relief. Thankfully, lung volume reduction surgery can offer some solace for those struggling with COPD.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating condition that progressively impairs lung function, making everyday activities increasingly challenging. COPD is a group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that obstruct airflow and make breathing difficult. The primary cause is long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.
As COPD progresses, patients experience worsening breathlessness, reduced exercise capacity, and frequent respiratory infections. In the end stages, the disease severely restricts lung function, leading to significant limitations in daily activities and overall health deterioration. For individuals reaching the advanced stages of COPD, traditional treatments often fall short of providing significant relief.
What is Lung Volume Reduction Surgery?
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is an intervention designed to remove diseased, non-functional lung tissue. By excising these areas, the remaining healthier lung tissue can expand more efficiently, improving overall lung function and reducing the effort required to breathe. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with severe emphysema, a type of COPD characterised by the destruction of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs.
At its core, lung volume reduction surgery is a carefully orchestrated procedure that aims to remove the most severely damaged portions of the lungs. It’s like pruning a tree; cutting away the dead or diseased branches allows the healthy parts to flourish.
In patients with severe emphysema — a common form of COPD — the lungs become overinflated. This overinflation pushes down the diaphragm, the primary muscle responsible for breathing. Removing the most damaged lung tissue creates more space in the chest cavity. This allows the healthier portions of the lung to expand and the diaphragm to return to a more natural position, making breathing significantly easier.
Benefits of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
Lung volume reduction surgery offers several advantages for patients with end-stage COPD. Removing damaged lung tissue allows the remaining healthy lungs to work more effectively, reducing breathlessness and improving respiratory efficiency. By decreasing the lung volume, the diaphragm can function more effectively, facilitating better airflow and oxygen exchange.
These have the effect of improving exercise capacity. Patients often experience a noticeable improvement in their ability to perform daily activities and engage in physical exercise. Overall, these combined benefits can improve the quality of life for people living with COPD, reducing their reliance on supplemental oxygen and improving their overall well-being.
Who Is a Candidate for LVRS?
Not all COPD patients are suitable candidates for lung volume reduction surgery. Ideal candidates typically include:
- Severe Emphysema: Patients with advanced emphysema who have not responded well to other treatments.
- Limited Functional Capacity: Individuals with significant limitations in their daily activities due to breathlessness.
- Focal Disease: Patients whose emphysema is concentrated in specific areas of the lungs, making targeted removal beneficial.
- Good Overall Health: Candidates should be in reasonably good health aside from COPD, with no major comorbid conditions that could complicate surgery.
A thorough evaluation by our specialists at Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre ensures that only the most appropriate candidates undergo LVRS, maximising the chances of a successful outcome.
Minimally Invasive Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
Gone are the days when lung volume reduction surgery meant large incisions and lengthy recovery times. Our approach utilises video-assisted technology, allowing us to perform this intricate procedure through small incisions.
Neumark employs video-assisted minimally invasive lung volume reduction surgery, a cutting-edge approach that offers numerous benefits over traditional open surgery. This technique involves making smaller incisions and using a thoracoscope — a thin, flexible tube with a camera and surgical instruments – to perform the procedure.
For many patients, lung volume reduction surgery marks a turning point in their battle with COPD. The improvements in lung function can be dramatic, with many patients reporting significant increases in their ability to perform daily activities without shortness of breath. Tasks that once seemed impossible, like walking up a hill or playing with grandchildren, suddenly become achievable again.
At Neumark, you’ll be partnered with a team of highly skilled thoracic surgeons dedicated to providing the best possible care. Our commitment to utilising minimally invasive techniques ensures you receive advanced treatment with fewer risks and a quicker recovery. We offer a supportive and compassionate environment, guiding you through every step of your lung volume reduction surgery journey and beyond.
