Current status of thoracoscopic lung volume reduction.

Abstract

Surgical therapy has recently been reintroduced for the treatment of emphysema, and a number of investigators have used video-assisted thoracic surgical (VATS) techniques to accomplish lung volume reduction. The published reports differ with regard to patient selection, preoperative preparation, operative approach, and surgical technique. The results of these reports are reviewed and compared. Thoracoscopic lung volume reduction appears to be a useful part of the surgeon's armamentarium in managing patients with severe pulmonary emphysema.