Factors related to an early restoration of exercise capacity after major lung resection

We attempted to identify the factors related to an early restoration of the exercise capacity after lung resection. Major lung resection was performed in 164 patients. Exercise testing and spirometry were performed before surgery, and 2 weeks and 1 month afterward. During exercise, the maximum oxygen uptake per minute per m(2) of body surface area (VI double dagger o(2)max/m(2)) was measured. The percent change of VI double dagger o(2)max/m(2) at 2 weeks and 1 month after surgery was calculated by setting the preoperative VI double dagger o(2)max/m(2) value as 100%. Patients were then assigned to the early restoration group or late restoration group according to their VI double dagger o(2)max/m(2) measured 2 weeks after surgery. Preoperative cardiopulmonary function, as well as various preoperative and intraoperative factors were compared between the two groups. At 2 weeks after surgery, the mean VI double dagger o(2)max/m(2) was 80.9% compared with that before surgery, and was 88.1% at 1 month. A multivariate analysis showed that the surgical method used (thoracotomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection) had a significant effect on the postoperative restoration of the VI double dagger o(2)max/m(2). An early restoration of exercise capacity after lung resection is possible in patients without mediastinal lymph node dissection and in those who have a small thoracotomy wound.