How surgery can help treat emphysema

Although emphysema is a difficult disease to treat, certain surgical methods are increasingly seen as an effective way to deal with this disease. Here is a guide to emphysema surgery to help you make an informed decision.

Emphysema is a chronic pulmonary disease, and the primary contributing factor for most cases of emphysema is smoking. However, environmental pollution and exposure to fumes and other respiratory irritants in a work setting can also lead to emphysema. As the disease progresses, it breaks down the air sacs (alveoli) within the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing, fatigue, lung infections and other respiratory symptoms.

Surgery is not recommended for those in the beginning stages of emphysema. Usually, treatments such as antibiotics, certain steroids such as corticosteroid drugs, and bronchodilators are considered front-line treatments for this respiratory disease. You can also benefit from pulmonary exercises, aerobic exercise and changes in your diet. Only those with severe forms of emphysema are recommended for surgery. Before you undergo surgery, you will also be subjected to a rigorous screening process to determine whether surgery is actually right for you.

For many suffering from emphysema, the disease has progressed to the point where surgery may be the only option. Doctors will evaluate your lungs and lung function through a series of tests, including CT scans, and pinpoint the areas that should be targeted for surgery. There are two main surgeries employed:

• Lung volume reduction:  With this method, surgeons will remove precise pieces of damaged tissue from your lung. Surgeons will often make one large incision to access your lung in a procedure known as thoracotomy, while some hospitals offer thoracoscopic surgery, which involves a series of small incisions and is considered less invasive.
• Lung transplant:  A lung transplant is an even more serious form of surgery and is reserved for those experiencing lung failure. Essentially, surgeons will remove your diseased lungs and transplant new lungs into your body.

For many people, lung volume reduction surgery helps healthy tissue regrow and is known to improve lung function in many cases. Studies have demonstrated that people experience improved quality of life, and many people are better able to exercise. For example, the Canadian Lung Volume Reduction Surgery study found similar results as other studies, demonstrating that those with end-stage emphysema benefit from lung reduction surgery.

Surgery for emphysema carries a risk of infection, organ rejection, and for some patients, surgery has proven fatal. Those who undergo these surgeries will also have to ensure they make proper lifestyle changes after their surgery to fully benefit and protect their health. That means cessation of smoking, maintaining an exercise program when possible, and eating properly.

Although emphysema is a chronic and difficult disease to treat, surgery is an option you should explore if your emphysema is severe. Ultimately, surgery may not only help you breathe easier, but also improve your overall quality of life.