Postoperative predicting value of lung function in patients with lung cancer – Fortune-telling or reality? Evaluation after surgical treatment

Lung function testing is important tool of the evaluation patients with lung cancer, candidates for surgical treatment. Based on the scope of the planned resection and the result of bronchofiberoscopy there is possible to calculate the expected postoperative value of lung function (ppoFEV1, ppoDLCO), but reliability of such estimation is still under discussion. The aim of the study was to evaluate lung function in the postoperative out-patient observation and compliance with the predictions. The analysis included 42 operated pts (mean age 64,3±8,8 yrs, 23 M) who underwent spirometry before resection and after 3 and 6 months during the out-patient follow-up. The people undergoing additional chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy were excluded from the assessment. Lobectomy was performed in 39 pts (28 upper, 11 lower one), pneumonectomy in 3 pts. Mean FEV1 value before surgery and 3 and 6 months after was 2,36±0,49 L (88,0±18,3%), 1,79±0,45 L (67,2±18,6%) and 1,84±0,47 L (68,9±18,1%) respectively. The significant correlation between ppoFEV1 (1.93±0.55 L, 73.1±18.3%) and measured values was revealed, amounting to 0,72 and 0,76 respectively for the study in 3 and 6 months after surgery. Detailed analysis showed that the correlation was higher in group of patients after lower than upper lobectomy: 0,85 vs 0,73 at 6 months after resection. Conclusion: In studied group mean value FEV1 measured in the postoperative follow-up at 3 and 6 months after resection shown good agreement with ppoFEV1, however better for patients who underwent lower lobectomy, poorer for upper resection.