Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

What this procedure is

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is a procedure where a surgeon removes small wedges of damaged lung tissue. By removing the most diseased parts of the lung—usually about 20% to 30%—the remaining healthier tissue has more room to expand and work properly.

When lungs are damaged by certain diseases, they can become over-inflated and lose their natural springiness. This surgery helps the lungs return to a more natural size. This allows the diaphragm (the large muscle under your lungs that helps you breathe) to move more freely, which can make breathing feel less like a struggle.

Your clinician may perform this using minimally invasive techniques, which involve small incisions and a tiny camera, or through a more traditional surgical approach depending on your specific health needs.

What it treats or fixes

This surgery is specifically designed to treat severe emphysema, which is a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). In emphysema, the tiny air sacs in the lungs are destroyed, often leading to air getting trapped inside the chest. This "trapped air" makes the lungs too large and prevents fresh, oxygen-rich air from entering easily.

The procedure aims to fix several issues caused by severe lung disease:

• It reduces the "puffiness" of over-inflated lungs so they fit better inside the chest.
• It helps improve your ability to exercise and stay active.
• It may help you feel less short of breath during daily activities like walking or dressing.

Your clinician may suggest this if other treatments, like inhalers or pulmonary rehabilitation, are no longer providing enough relief for your symptoms.

How common it is & where it's done

While many people have lung conditions, this specific surgery is not a routine treatment for everyone. It is a specialized option for a specific group of patients who meet very strict health criteria. Because it is a major procedure, it is usually considered only after other medical therapies have been fully explored.

This surgery is typically performed at large hospitals or specialized medical centers. These facilities often have dedicated teams of chest surgeons and lung specialists (pulmonologists) who focus on advanced lung care. Your clinician may refer you to one of these specialized centers to see if the procedure is a safe and appropriate fit for your situation.

Recovery: What to Expect

After the procedure, you will likely stay in the hospital for about 5 to 10 days. During this time, your care team will focus on helping you breathe comfortably and move safely. You may have chest tubes, which are small, flexible tubes used to drain extra air or fluid from around the lungs while they heal. These are usually removed once your clinician determines your lungs are stable.

Walking and moving soon after surgery is a key part of recovery. Your clinician may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a guided program that uses exercise and education to strengthen your breathing muscles. You should contact your clinician if you notice new redness around your incisions, a fever, or a sudden increase in shortness of breath that does not improve with rest.

Risks & Possible Complications

The most common complication is an air leak. This happens when air escapes from the surface of the lung where the tissue was removed. While this may sound concerning, it is a known part of the healing process and often resolves on its own while you are still using a chest tube. Your care team will monitor this closely to ensure your lung stays expanded.

Other possible risks include pneumonia (a lung infection) or temporary changes in your heart rhythm. To help prevent these, your clinician may use medications, breathing treatments, and physical therapy. While every surgery has risks, the medical team takes many steps to keep you safe and comfortable during your stay.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The main goal of this surgery is to help you breathe more easily and improve your quality of life. Many patients find they can be more active and perform daily tasks with less fatigue. You may notice that you do not need to use supplemental oxygen as often, or that you can walk longer distances than before the procedure.

Research shows that for many people with emphysema (a condition where the air sacs in the lungs are damaged), these improvements can last for several years. While the surgery does not cure lung disease, it can significantly improve how well your remaining healthy lung tissue works. Your clinician may perform regular breathing tests to track your progress over time.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is normal to feel a mix of hope and nervousness when preparing for surgery. Taking care of your emotional health is just as important as your physical recovery. Your clinician may suggest speaking with a counselor or joining a support group where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences.

Focusing on small, daily goals can help you feel more in control during your recovery. Remember that your healthcare team is there to guide you through each step. Staying positive and following your rehabilitation plan can help you reach your goal of breathing more freely and returning to the activities you enjoy.

Why doctors recommend it

Doctors usually suggest lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for people living with severe emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition that damages the tiny air sacs in the lungs, causing them to lose their stretch. This damage leads to air getting trapped in the lungs, a problem called hyperinflation. When the lungs are over-inflated, they take up too much space in the chest cavity, making it very difficult to take a full, deep breath.

Your clinician may recommend this procedure if standard treatments, such as inhalers, oxygen therapy, or pulmonary rehabilitation (a specialized exercise program), are no longer providing enough relief. The surgery involves removing the most diseased parts of the lung tissue. This allows the remaining, healthier lung tissue to expand more fully and work more effectively.

Urgent vs planned treatment

Lung volume reduction surgery is a planned, or elective, procedure. It is not used to treat sudden breathing emergencies or acute infections. Because it is a major surgery, your medical team will spend several weeks or months evaluating your health to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Before the surgery is scheduled, your clinician may order several tests, including:

• Imaging tests: Such as CT scans to see exactly where the most damage is located.
• Pulmonary function tests: Breathing tests to measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well they move oxygen.
• Exercise tests: To see how your heart and lungs react to physical activity.

This careful planning helps the surgical team confirm that removing specific areas of the lung will likely lead to better breathing rather than causing further strain.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of this surgery is to improve your quality of life by making it easier to breathe. While the surgery is not a cure for emphysema, it can help the diaphragm—the main muscle used for breathing—return to its natural, dome-like shape. When the lungs are over-inflated, they push down on the diaphragm and flatten it, making it hard to move. Shrinking the lung size gives the diaphragm the room it needs to work properly again.

Success in this treatment is often measured by how much more active a patient can be. Common goals include:

• Reducing the feeling of constant shortness of breath.
• Increasing the ability to walk, climb stairs, or perform daily chores.
• Improving the overall effectiveness of the respiratory system.
• Potentially increasing long-term survival for specific groups of patients with upper-lung damage.

Your clinician will discuss what success looks like for your specific situation, as the benefits can vary based on the pattern of your lung disease.

Who may benefit

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is most often used for people with severe emphysema. Emphysema is a lung condition that damages the tiny air sacs in your lungs. This damage can cause "air trapping," where old air stays stuck in the lungs and makes it hard to take a fresh breath. By removing the most damaged parts of the lung, your clinician may help the healthier parts work more effectively.

You may be a candidate if your emphysema is mostly in the upper parts of your lungs. This is often called "upper-lobe predominant" disease. People who find it very hard to exercise or perform daily tasks despite using their inhalers may see improvements in their breathing and quality of life after this procedure.

Before surgery, your care team will likely ask you to complete a pulmonary rehabilitation program. This is a special exercise and education program designed for people with lung disease. They will also require that you have stopped smoking for several months to ensure the best possible outcome.

When it may not be the right option

While this surgery can be very helpful for some, it is not the right choice for everyone with COPD. Your clinician may decide against surgery if your lung damage is spread evenly throughout your lungs rather than being in specific areas. This is known as "diffuse" emphysema.

Certain health factors can make the surgery too risky. For example, if your lung function tests are extremely low, the risks of the procedure might outweigh the benefits. Your care team will also look at your heart health, as serious heart disease can increase the chance of complications during or after surgery.

Finally, if you are currently smoking or have other major health conditions that make surgery unsafe, your team may suggest other treatments. They will work with you to find the safest way to manage your symptoms.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on surgery is a big step. It is helpful to talk openly with your doctors about what to expect. Here are some questions you might want to bring to your next appointment:

• Based on my tests, am I a good candidate for this surgery?
• How much do you expect my breathing to improve afterward?
• What are the specific risks for someone with my health history?
• Will I still need to use oxygen or my current inhalers after the procedure?
• What does the recovery process look like, and how long will I be in the hospital?
• Are there other options, like lung valves, that might be better for me?

In the procedure room

When you arrive in the operating room, you will meet your surgical team, which usually includes your surgeon, an anesthesiologist (a doctor who manages sleep and pain), and specialized nurses. The room is kept clean and filled with advanced monitoring equipment to keep you safe.

The team will help you get into a comfortable position on the surgical table. They will use soft pillows and padding to support your body. Once you are settled, the team will perform a final safety check before the procedure begins.

High-level steps

The surgeon typically uses a technique called Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). This involves making a few small incisions, or cuts, between your ribs. A tiny camera is inserted through one of these cuts so the surgeon can see your lungs on a video screen. In some cases, your clinician may choose to make a larger incision in the chest or through the breastbone.

The surgeon carefully removes about 20% to 30% of the most diseased lung tissue. This is the part of the lung that has been damaged by emphysema and is taking up too much space. By removing this damaged tissue, the healthier parts of your lung have more room to expand and work properly. The surgeon uses specialized stapling devices to seal the remaining lung tissue and prevent air from leaking.

Anesthesia and pain control

You will receive general anesthesia, which is medicine that puts you into a deep sleep so you do not feel any pain or remember the surgery. Your clinician may also use a local anesthetic to numb the areas where the incisions are made.

To help with comfort after you wake up, your care team may use an epidural or a nerve block. This involves placing medicine near the nerves in your back or chest to help manage soreness. You may feel some pressure or a dull ache as you recover, but your team will provide regular pain medicine to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Monitoring and safety steps

Your safety is the top priority throughout the surgery. The anesthesia team uses sensors to constantly check your heart rate, blood pressure, and the amount of oxygen in your blood. A breathing tube is used to help you breathe steadily while you are asleep.

The surgical team also monitors the pressure inside your chest. They take great care to ensure the remaining lung tissue is healthy and that the staples are secure. These steps help reduce the risk of complications and ensure the best possible start for your recovery.

Immediately after the procedure

When the surgery is finished, you will be moved to a recovery room where nurses will watch you closely as you wake up. You will likely have one or two chest tubes in place. These are thin, flexible tubes that drain extra fluid or air from the space around your lungs. This helps your lungs stay fully inflated while they heal.

You may notice some numbness or a feeling of tightness around your chest. This is normal and usually fades as the incisions heal. Your team will encourage you to take deep breaths and may help you sit up or move shortly after the procedure to keep your lungs clear.

Typical procedure length

The surgery itself usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. The exact time depends on whether the surgeon is working on one lung or both, and which surgical method is being used. Your care team will keep your family updated on your progress during this time.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Surgeons typically use one of two main methods to perform lung volume reduction surgery. The goal of both approaches is to remove damaged tissue so the remaining lung can work better. Your surgical team will recommend the approach that is safest for your specific anatomy and health.

• Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS): This is a minimally invasive approach. The surgeon makes small incisions (cuts) in the chest. A small camera and special tools are inserted through these cuts to remove the tissue. This method is often preferred because it may lead to a faster recovery.
• Median Sternotomy (Open Surgery): In this approach, the surgeon makes an incision through the breastbone (sternum) to open the chest. This allows the surgeon to see and reach both lungs directly. While it is a more involved surgery, it may be necessary for certain patients.

Partial vs total

Lung volume reduction surgery is always a partial procedure. It does not involve removing the entire lung. Instead, the surgeon removes approximately 20% to 35% of the most damaged lung tissue. This is usually the upper part of the lung where emphysema causes the most damage.

By removing only the diseased sections, the surgery creates more space in the chest. This allows the remaining, healthier lung tissue to expand and breathe more efficiently. The diaphragm, which helps you breathe, can also return to a more normal shape and work better.

The procedure can be performed on just one lung (unilateral) or both lungs (bilateral). Treating both lungs at the same time is common because it often provides better long-term breathing improvements for suitable candidates.

Revision or repeat procedures

Lung volume reduction is generally considered a one-time intervention rather than a procedure that is repeated. Because the surgery involves removing a significant portion of lung tissue and using staples to seal the lung, the structure of the chest changes permanently.

While the surgery can improve breathing and quality of life for several years, it does not cure the underlying lung disease. Emphysema is progressive, meaning it continues to affect the lungs over time. If symptoms return years later, doctors typically focus on medical management or other advanced therapies, such as lung transplantation, rather than repeating the volume reduction surgery.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before scheduling surgery, your healthcare team must confirm that you are a good candidate for the procedure. They need to map your lungs to identify the specific areas damaged by emphysema and ensure your heart is strong enough for the operation. Common evaluations include:

• CT scans: These detailed imaging tests create pictures of your lungs. They help the surgeon see which areas are most affected and how much healthy lung tissue remains.
• Breathing tests: Also known as pulmonary function tests, these measure how much air your lungs can hold and how well you can move air in and out.
• Heart evaluations: You may undergo an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a stress test to check your heart health.
• Exercise capacity: A "6-minute walk test" is often used to see how far you can walk in a set time, which helps measure your physical fitness level.

Medication adjustments

Your surgical team will review every medicine, vitamin, and herbal supplement you currently take. Some medications can affect bleeding or anesthesia, so your doctor will create a plan for what to take and what to pause.

• Blood thinners: Medications that prevent blood clots—such as aspirin, warfarin, or other anticoagulants—can increase bleeding risk. Your clinician may ask you to stop these several days before surgery.
• Regular prescriptions: You might be instructed to take essential medications, such as those for blood pressure, with a small sip of water on the morning of the procedure.
• Allergies: Be sure to tell your team if you have had allergic reactions to medications or anesthesia in the past.

Note: Only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so. Do not make changes to your routine without their guidance.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Preparing your body and your personal items ahead of time can help reduce stress. Since lung volume reduction surgery requires a hospital stay for recovery, you will need to pack accordingly.

The day before:

• Fasting: You will usually be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This is a safety requirement for anesthesia.
• Hygiene: Your care team may ask you to shower with a special antibacterial soap to help prevent infection.
• Packing: Pack a bag with comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, a robe, and slippers with non-skid soles for your recovery days in the hospital.

The day of:

• Arrival: Get to the hospital at the time listed on your instructions. This allows time for check-in and pre-surgery preparation.
• Support: Have a family member or friend accompany you to handle your personal belongings and speak with the surgeon after the procedure is finished.

General surgical risks

As with any major operation, lung volume reduction surgery carries certain general risks. Your care team will evaluate your overall health before the procedure to ensure you are strong enough for surgery. Common risks associated with most surgeries include:

• Reactions to anesthesia: Some patients may feel groggy or nauseous after waking up.
• Bleeding or infection: Your surgical team takes strict precautions to keep the incision site clean and monitor for any signs of bleeding.
• Blood clots: Being inactive during recovery can increase the risk of clots in the legs, so your clinicians may prescribe blood thinners or encourage early movement.

Procedure-specific complications

Because this surgery involves operating directly on the lungs, there are specific side effects that clinicians watch for closely. The most common issue is an air leak. This happens when air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity where the tissue was removed. While this is frequent, it is usually temporary.

Other possible complications may include:

• Pneumonia: Lung infections can occur as you recover.
• Heart rhythm changes: Some patients experience temporary irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) after chest surgery.
• Breathing difficulties: In some cases, patients may need support from a ventilator for a short time after surgery to help them breathe while they heal.

How complications are treated

Most complications from lung volume reduction surgery are treatable, especially when caught early during your hospital stay. Your medical team will monitor your heart rate, oxygen levels, and incision sites around the clock.

If an air leak occurs, it is typically managed with a chest tube—a small tube placed between your ribs to remove the trapped air. This tube remains in place until the lung heals and seals itself. Infections like pneumonia are treated with antibiotics, and irregular heart rhythms can often be managed with medication. Your clinician will discuss these possibilities with you so you know what to expect during recovery.

Pain control medicines

Managing pain is a top priority after lung volume reduction surgery. When you are comfortable, it is easier to take deep breaths and cough, which helps your lungs heal and prevents complications. Your clinician may use a combination of different medicines to keep you comfortable while minimizing side effects.

Common options include:

• Local or regional anesthetics: These are numbing medicines delivered through a small tube near your spine (an epidural) or near the nerves in your chest (a nerve block). These help block pain in a specific area of the body.
• Systemic pain relievers: These are medicines that travel through your whole body. They may be given through an IV (a tube in your vein) or as pills. These can include non-aspirin pain relievers or stronger medications if needed.

Your care team will tailor the plan to your specific needs. It is important to tell your clinician about any allergies or if you feel very sleepy or constipated, as these can be side effects of certain pain medicines.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent or treat infections caused by bacteria. Because lung surgery involves the respiratory system, your clinician may give you antibiotics to help lower the risk of developing pneumonia (a lung infection) or an infection at the site of the surgical cut.

These medicines are often started just before the surgery begins and may continue for a short time while you recover in the hospital. Your clinician will choose the specific type of antibiotic based on your health history and any known allergies.

Always let your care team know if you have ever had a reaction to an antibiotic, such as a rash or trouble breathing. Following the full schedule of these medicines as directed by your clinician is an important part of a safe recovery.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

After any major surgery, there is a risk of developing blood clots, especially in the legs. This is because you may not be moving around as much as usual during your early recovery. If a clot travels to the lungs, it can cause serious health issues. To prevent this, your clinician may use "blood thinners," also known as anticoagulants.

These medicines help keep the blood flowing smoothly and prevent clots from forming. They are often given as a small injection under the skin or sometimes as a pill. Along with medicine, your team will likely encourage you to get out of bed and walk as soon as it is safe to do so to keep your circulation moving.

Your clinician will monitor you closely while you are on these medications. Be sure to report any unusual bruising or bleeding to your medical team immediately. They will adjust the type and timing of these medicines based on your specific risk factors and how well you are healing.

Emergency warning signs

Although serious complications are rare, they require immediate attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience sudden or severe symptoms that could signal a heart problem or a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

• Sudden, severe shortness of breath: Struggling to breathe even while resting.
• Chest pain: Sharp pain in your chest that does not go away.
• Coughing up blood: Coughing up bright red blood.
• Signs of low oxygen: Blue or gray color in your lips, fingers, or toes.
• Fainting: Passing out or feeling extremely lightheaded.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Contact your care team if you notice signs of infection or other changes during your recovery. Early treatment can help prevent issues like pneumonia or heart rhythm problems.

• Fever or chills: A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Incision changes: Redness, swelling, warmth, or fluid draining from your surgery site.
• Leg symptoms: Pain, swelling, or redness in one leg, particularly the calf, which could be a sign of a blood clot.
• Heart rate changes: Feeling a fluttering sensation in your chest or a very fast heartbeat (arrhythmia).
• Worsening cough: A new cough or coughing up thick yellow or green mucus.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Recovery takes time, and it is helpful to know what is part of the normal healing process versus what needs medical attention.

• Pain: Most people have some soreness at the incision site. This is expected and should improve over time. It is concerning if pain suddenly gets worse or is not helped by your pain medicine.
• Breathing: You may still feel short of breath as you heal, but this should gradually stabilize. It is concerning if your breathing suddenly becomes more difficult than it was when you left the hospital, as this could signal an air leak.
• Energy levels: Feeling tired or fatigued is expected for several weeks. It is concerning if you feel too weak to do basic daily activities or if your fatigue worsens instead of improving.

Non-surgical treatments

Before considering surgery, your clinician will likely suggest several other treatments to manage your symptoms. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a key step. This is a program that combines exercise, nutrition advice, and breathing techniques to help you stay active and improve your stamina. You may also use medications like inhalers, which help open your airways, or steroids to reduce swelling in the lungs.

Another option is the use of endobronchial valves. These are tiny, one-way valves placed in the airways using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope. These valves help block off damaged areas of the lung without the need for a traditional surgical incision. This allows the healthier parts of your lungs to expand more easily.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting means your care team monitors your condition closely without starting a new procedure right away. This approach is often used when your symptoms are stable and you are still able to perform your daily activities. Your clinician may schedule regular lung function tests and imaging to see if your emphysema is changing over time.

During this period, the focus is on keeping your lungs as healthy as possible. This includes staying up to date on vaccines, avoiding smoke or pollutants, and continuing your prescribed medications. If your breathing remains steady and your quality of life is good, surgery may not be necessary at this stage.

When surgery becomes the best option

Surgery is usually considered when other treatments are no longer providing enough relief. If you find that you are still very short of breath even after finishing pulmonary rehabilitation and using your medications correctly, your clinician may discuss surgery. It is often most helpful for people with emphysema that is mostly located in the upper parts of the lungs.

The goal of moving to surgery is to improve your ability to exercise and your overall quality of life. Your care team will look at your test results to see if removing the most damaged parts of the lung will help the healthier parts work more efficiently. This step is taken when the potential benefits for your breathing outweigh the risks of the procedure.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is usually performed at large medical centers or university hospitals that specialize in chest and lung care. These hospitals often have dedicated lung centers where different experts work together as a team. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that you receive care from several types of specialists who understand the complexities of emphysema.

Your care team will likely include a thoracic surgeon (a doctor who specializes in operating on the chest) and a pulmonologist (a doctor who specializes in lung health). Other hospital services involved in your care may include radiology for detailed lung imaging and anesthesiology to manage your comfort and safety during the procedure. Your clinician may refer you to a center that has significant experience with the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) standards, which helped establish how this surgery is safely performed.

Patient resources and support services

Support services are a vital part of the recovery process. Most hospitals that perform this surgery offer pulmonary rehabilitation. This is a supervised program that includes exercise, nutritional counseling, and breathing techniques to help you get stronger before and after surgery. Participating in these programs is often a required step to ensure the best possible results.

Other helpful resources may include:

• Smoking Cessation Programs: Since being smoke-free is necessary for this surgery, many hospitals provide specialized counseling and tools to help patients quit.
• Support Groups: Many centers host groups where you can talk with others who have emphysema or have undergone similar lung procedures.
• Respiratory Therapy: Specialists can teach you how to use oxygen equipment or breathing devices you may need during your recovery.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

Choosing the right facility is an important part of your healthcare journey. You may want to ask your clinician or the hospital staff specific questions to help you feel more comfortable with your choice. A specialized center should be able to provide clear information about their experience and the support they offer.

Consider using this checklist when speaking with a hospital:

• How many lung volume reduction surgeries does this center perform each year?
• Does the hospital have a dedicated team that includes both thoracic surgeons and lung specialists?
• Is there a pulmonary rehabilitation program located at the hospital or nearby?
• What kind of follow-up care and support is available after I go home?
• How does the team coordinate with my primary doctor or local lung specialist?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is primarily used to treat a specific, severe form of emphysema. Emphysema is a condition that falls under the category of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). In people with emphysema, the tiny air sacs in the lungs become damaged and lose their natural elasticity, which causes them to trap air instead of letting it out.

Your clinician may consider this surgery if the lung damage is "heterogeneous," meaning it is mostly located in specific areas, such as the upper lobes. By removing the most diseased tissue, the remaining healthier lung tissue may be able to expand more easily. This procedure is generally reserved for individuals whose symptoms have not improved enough through other treatments, such as medications or pulmonary rehabilitation (a program of exercise and education).

Related symptoms people search for

The symptoms associated with the conditions treated by this surgery often make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. These signs can be associated with advanced lung disease and may include:

• Severe shortness of breath: Also known as dyspnea, this is a feeling of being unable to get enough air, even when resting or doing very light activities.
• Hyperinflation: This occurs when air stays trapped in the lungs, making the chest feel uncomfortably full or "puffed out."
• Reduced exercise tolerance: Finding it very hard to walk short distances or complete household chores without needing to stop and catch your breath.
• Chest tightness: A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the chest area while trying to breathe.

If you experience these symptoms, your clinician may perform breathing tests to see how well your lungs are moving air. They can help determine if these issues are related to emphysema or another underlying health concern that requires a different type of care.

Evidence overview

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) has been studied extensively to understand how it helps people with severe emphysema. Major medical trials, such as the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT), have compared the results of surgery against standard medical treatments and rehabilitation.

The evidence shows that for carefully selected patients, this surgery can improve breathing, increase the ability to exercise, and enhance overall quality of life. By removing damaged tissue, the remaining healthy lung tissue can work more efficiently. However, studies also indicate that the procedure is not beneficial for everyone. It generally works best for those with specific patterns of lung damage, such as emphysema located mostly in the upper parts of the lungs.

Safety notes and individualized care

Like any major surgery, lung volume reduction carries risks. Your healthcare team will look at your specific medical history to decide if this procedure is safe for you. Common risks associated with the surgery include:

• Air leaks: This occurs when air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity, which may require a tube to drain the air for a period of time.
• Infection: Pneumonia or other infections can occur during recovery.
• Heart issues: Some patients may experience irregular heart rhythms after the operation.

Research highlights that patient selection is the most critical factor for safety. Patients with extremely limited lung function or a certain distribution of emphysema may face higher risks without the same potential for benefit. Your clinician will use breathing tests and imaging scans to ensure you fit the safety criteria established by medical guidelines.

Sources used

The information provided is grounded in guidelines and studies from reputable medical organizations and journals, including:

• Mayo Clinic
• National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Bookshelf
• The New England Journal of Medicine