CHEST Guidelines-National-Trends-in-Lung-Volume-Reduction-Surgery-i

National-Trends-in-Lung-Volume-Reduction-Surgery-i

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This correspondence addresses the national trends in lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) in the United States from 2000 to 2010. LVRS is primarily used for treating advanced emphysema that does not respond to maximal medical therapies. The National Emphysema Treatment Trials (NETT) have proven the efficacy of LVRS in improving patients' exercise capacity and quality of life, albeit with limited mortality benefits for specific patient groups. The study utilized data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, analyzing adults aged 18 and over who underwent LVRS during this period.<br /><br />Results showed a significant decline in the number of LVRS procedures performed from 2000 to 2010, with an estimated 3,307 surgeries conducted. However, in-hospital mortality remained consistent at 6.1% during the study period. Among these patients, 7.9% required tracheostomy, with a median hospital stay of nine days. The study identified age 65 and above as the most significant predictor of in-hospital mortality. Interstitial lung disease and malnutrition were also associated with higher mortality rates.<br /><br />The decline in LVRS procedures may indicate a shift towards alternative treatments or declining popularity. The authors suggest that newer endobronchial methods for lung volume reduction could be beneficial for this patient population. The study did not find significant improvements in mortality rates over the decade, emphasizing the need for ongoing research into more effective treatment methods for emphysema. The correspondence closes with the disclosure that the authors report no conflicts of interest related to the study.

Keywords

lung volume reduction surgery

LVRS

emphysema

National Emphysema Treatment Trials

NETT

Nationwide Inpatient Sample

in-hospital mortality

endobronchial methods

tracheostomy

alternative treatments