How are tests of pulmonary function used to help determine suitability for lung resection surgery?

  • Important in determining risk of:
    • Operative mortality
    • Postoperative complications
    • Postoperative dyspnoea and unacceptable quality of life
  • Assessment includes the use:
    • Routine lung function tests:
      • Spirometry values (FEV1 / FVC)
      • Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO)
    • Calculated postoperative predicted values using ventilation/perfusion scans or CT evaluation
    • Functional assessments (CPET or shuttle walk test)
  • In changes from previous guidance, specific cut-offs are no longer recommended but used to risk-stratify patients for shared decision making