From U Stellenbosch-SA: Functional evaluation before lung resection

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22054885

Clin Chest Med. 2011 Dec;32(4):773-82.
Functional Evaluation before Lung Resection.
von Groote-Bidlingmaier F, Koegelenberg CF, Bolliger CT.
Source
Division of Pulmonology, Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, PO Box 19063, Tygerberg 7505, Cape Town, South Africa.

Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and lung resection remains the only curative approach. In the Western world, lung cancer is one of the main indications for lung resection, despite only 15% to 25% of all lung cancers being operable at the time of presentation. In most cases of operable lung cancer, a substantial part of functional lung tissue has to be resected, leading to a permanent loss of pulmonary function. Resection in patients with insufficient pulmonary reserves can result in permanent respiratory disability. This article reviews the current standards of preoperative assessment.