Emphysema
Identified as one of the major U.S. centers for
emphysema surgery by our participation in the
National Emphysema Treatment Trial, Penn’s
thoracic surgery team partners with the Penn
Lung Center to offer a comprehensive clinical
and research program dedicated to the diagnosis,
management and care of patients with emphysema.
As leaders in the surgical treatment of emphysema,
our surgeons are experienced in various surgical
techniques including lung volume reduction surgery
and bullectomy. These may be performed by thoracotomy
or minimally invasive VATS.
The Latest Treatments
Lung volume reduction surgery is a surgical technique
in which a portion of the most diseased parts
of the lung is removed. Designated for its experience
with this technique, Penn is one of a select group
of the hospitals that participated in the National
Emphysema Treatment Trial, which has documented
the benefits of lung volume reduction surgery
versus other forms of treatment for emphysema.
Lung volume reduction surgery has been shown to
improve the quality of life and survival in selected
emphysema patients.
Bullectomy involves the surgical removal of a
bulla, which is a large, distended air space in
the lung. This, too, often improves shortness
of breath and quality of life in emphysema patients.
Experienced Surgeons
As some of the nation’s leading thoracic
surgeons, Penn surgeons are not only experienced
in these techniques but can further complete both
lung volume reduction surgery and bullectomy using
video assisted thoracic surgery, which offers
smaller incisions and thus less pain and shorter
recovery periods for our patients.
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