Preoperative assessment of pulmonary function

The first successful pneumonectomy was reported in 1933 by Graham and Singer [1]. Since 1955, many studies have focused on morbidity due to respiratory insufficiency after pneumonectomy or even lobectomy. More recently, the development of lung transplantations has increased the necessity for precise pre-operative measurement of pulmonary function. Many techniques have been reported to be useful for such a purpose. Some, such as bronchospirometry, bronchoscopic respiratory gas sampling, temporary unilateral pulmonary arterial occlusion, and intraoperative pulmonary artery pressure measurement [2] have been abandoned now. These techniques are invasive and, in fact, well correlated with non-aggressive tests. Pre-operative measurement of pulmonary function nowadays requires at least spirometry, possibly associated with DLCO and exercise tests. Ventilation and/or perfusion scans complete these basic tests when necessary.