The National Emphysema Treatment Trial -- how strong is the evidence?

Article Abstract:

A study published in 2003 that evaluated lung-volume reduction surgery as a treatment for emphysema may not provide the best evidence that this surgery is effective. The researchers went beyond a simple evaluation and tried to identify subgroups of patients who might benefit most from the treatment. They found that the only patients who benefited were those with upper lobe disease who were the most disabled by their disease.

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Cost effectiveness of lung-volume-reduction surgery for patients with severe emphysema

Article Abstract:

Lung-volume reduction surgery for treating emphysema is very expensive and should only be done on patients who are most likely to benefit over the long-term, according to a study of 1,218 patients. This study found that patients with mostly upper-lobe disease and a low tolerance for exercise were most likely to benefit from the operation. During this operation, the diseased parts of the lungs are removed.

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A randomized trial comparing lung-volume-reduction surgery with medical therapy for severe emphysema

Article Abstract:

Lung-volume reduction surgery will not benefit all patients with emphysema, according to a study of 1,218 patients. Only patients with upper-lobe emphysema who had a low tolerance for exercise benefited from this treatment. Other patients either did not benefit or actually had higher death rates after the operation. During this type of surgery, the diseased parts of the lungs are removed.

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