SPIROMETRIC CHANGES AFTER PLEURAL DECORTICATION IN YOUNG ADULTS

Authors: Gorur, Rauf; Yildizhan, Akin; Yiyit, Nurettin; Kutlu, Ali; Sonmez, Guner; Isitmangil, Turgut

Source: ANZ Journal of Surgery, Volume 77, Number 5, May 2007 , pp. 344-346(3)

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Abstract:

Background:

The collection of pleural fluid and thickened pleura restrict the movement and expansion of lung. The main treatment strategy is lung decortication for the thickened pleura. The aim of this study was to investigate lung functions before and after pleural decortication in young adults. Methods:

A total of 63 patients with thickened pleura were retrospectively evaluated. Before the operation, patients with tuberculosis (n = 36) were treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy for 3-6 months. Patients with non-tuberculosis causes (n = 27) had been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁, %), forced vital capacity (%) and vital capacity (litre) were measured before and after decortication. Results:

Spirometric parameters FEV₁ (68.1 ± 16.7 vs 71.01 ± 14.4), forced vital capacity (67.6 ± 16.4 vs 71.3 ± 14.4) and vital capacity (2.6 ± 0.6 vs 2.8 ± 0.7) significantly improved after the operation (P ± 0.01). Spirometric changes were not significantly different between tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis groups. Conclusion:

Pleural decortication may improve the lung restoration in patients with thickened pleura and also improve lung functions significantly in young adults.

Keywords: pleural decortication; spirometric parameter; thickened pleura

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1445-2197.2007.04056.x

Publication date: 2007-05-01