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Lung Volume Reduction Surgery: Pros & Cons
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) is not something that is openly encouraged by the medical team(s) at my local transplant centre. Or at least, this hasn’t been my experience or that of anyone I know well. However, it is something that other centres seem to endorse, as I see it discussed on various platforms for people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) such as Facebook groups, other forums or even in-person support groups. As a result, I thought I’d bring it to our forum to obtain your thoughts!
According to the Cleveland Clinic’s website, LVRS is performed to remove diseased lung tissue to help improve a patient’s breathing ability, lung capacity and overall quality of life. According to the same website, this surgery has proven to be successful in improving patients quality of life who meet a certain criteria, which can be found via the linked page above.
While this surgery might sound appealing for patients who meet the criteria, it is not without its risks (similar to any surgical procedure). An obvious benefit to LVRS is the possibility of increasing a patient’s ability to breathe, and eliminating their dyspnea. However, as with any major surgery there is always risk of bleeding, infection and especially incision pain following any operation. Additional risks/benefits to LVRS can be found here.
Is this something your pulmonologist/lung specialist has ever brought forward to you as an option?
Would you consider LVRS if it was presented to you?
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