Houston Youth Football League

My thoracoscopic lung volume reduction - LVRS

The net is now full of useful information about the disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and emphysema. It is also pointed out the treatment options.

I describe here, in as short a form as the situation for me before, during and especially after the operation, respectively. what has brought me the Operation:

Even with 25 years ago I suffered from COPD. At that time, however, diagnosed asthma, which was not correct. Only later, at age 30, after I had 2 lung inflammation, we turned in the University Hospital Basel (USB), that I suffer from emphysema (hyperinflation) and I should urgently to stop smoking. - In the next 10 years, my condition worsened, that I suffered more and more from shortness of breath and had to restrict my activities. After an extensive investigation in 2002/03 in the USB, I received a disability pension at 100%. I was informed of surgical options, but I could not get used to this point with it. Only in the fall of 2007, after I once again underwent a lung function test, I decided to leave clarify whether LVRS (lung volume reduction) is possible with me. (Note, this is not a so-called Bullektomie in which only a few large bubbles are removed). Still it is at this operation is a risky procedure and is limited to a small, select group COPD / Emphysema Patients performed sämtlkiche meet criteria. First, it should be a heterogeneous emphysema. Then this should be concentrated in the apical upper lobe, ie that the lower parts still function. The heart should be OK and you have to have given up smoking. - That you should be alcohol-and drug-free, of course pretty self Numerous studies, such as spirometry, blood gas analysis, 6 min. Walk test, X-ray, echocardiography, lung scan and further blood tests have revealed to me that I have the criteria for LVRS, fulfilled.

worth mentioning is my age. For this Reached before disease stage I'm fairly young, normally one is then for at least 10 - 20 years older. For me, genetic influences are still present (grandfather died of lung cancer, chronic Bronichialasthma father and mother and COPD).

- After all the investigations, it was clear that my FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume after the first second) was 18.6% (which is only about 8 dl) of normal value was and my TLC (total lung capacity) 143% . With such a strong hyperinflation it's no surprise that I had severe stomach and intestinal problems, as the lungs, expressed in the stomach and influenced my diet dramatically. Normally I could barely hold a weight of 59 kg, at 1.80 m height. After acute infections, my weight dropped at times up to 52 kg, which corresponds to a BMI of 16.05. The medically tolerated minimum value at 18 Ie with 59 lbs I was still within that limit.

end of October 2007 I began taking the anti-smoking pill Champix on 7 November 2007, I smoked my last cigarette. This medication has really helped well to quit smoking. All previous attempts with other auxiliary agents (patch, gum, etc.) have brought nothing.

Hospital admission was on 20 November 2007 set. The next Day, around 11.30 clock, I was picked for the operation and prepared. In the preparation room me various catheters were placed, two in the arm, respectively. Wrist, a central catheter at the neck and back for a post-operative pain relief. 3 injections administered, which should serve to relax - in between my 2 were. Eventually, I came away and fell asleep. - The surgery was minimally invasive, thoracoscopic carried out, ie on either side were two small incisions (each about 1.5 cm) and a larger section (approx. 3 cm). The larger opening was used for removal of the lung pieces. A total of 40% of the lung was removed. This operation method is much more gentle and there are back less ugly scars, respectively. these are smaller than when the chest to be opened.

Later in the afternoon, so around 17:00 clock I awoke in intensive care. It was pleasing for me that I so felt like I was waking from a normal night's sleep. I had neither pain nor was amiss. The only thing I was very hungry, but to order a dinner it was too late. Throughout the night I ate biscuits and drank coffee or tea. In between, I slept a little. It was a long night and I was glad when at last came the breakfast. The nurse wanted me to get up to eat and sit on a chair beside the bed. It took about 15 - 20 minutes, was implemented by this project, because I was completely wired. There were double-sided drainages (ie, four drainage tubes), oxygen, ECG, Epiduralanasthäsie for pain relief, urinary catheters, and of course the Kathether the arm and neck, which went on antibiotics and glucose solutions. - After breakfast, I was X-rayed difficult site with a mobile device. Around 14.00 clock I was transferred to the ward. - was only two days later next to a drain to be removed after 3 days the other. Law, it took two days longer. Also 3 days after the operation of the epidural catheter slipped and patterns in the night 4th postoperative day are removed. After that I had more pain, despite the fact that I got in the next 2 days morphine injected, in addition to the drip and pain killers. From 6 Day I began to reduce the pain killers. Because the epidural catheter was removed, I could also be exempted from the urinary catheter and was faster mobile. From the 7th Day I was fully mobile and was already marching to the bar alone. I had no shortness of breath during normal walking. Since my surgery I've gained 9 kg incidentally. On 9 Day, ie after a total of 10 hospital days, I was sent home. It was Friday the 30th November 2007. Once there, I first had to buy food, which is quite easily was possible. Inside the home I can move around freely without breathing swimming, can wash hair, cooking, etc. without having to get choking sensations. Outside the apartment, I can also walk without shortness of breath twice as much as before the operation. Only at temperatures below 5 degrees, I find it somewhat difficult to breathe. I also believe that in some weeks will be better. I'm going to go the next 4 weeks in physical therapy and then for 2 - 3 months after travel to Thailand, my family and friends.

The scars 6 weeks after the operation, ie on 01.06.2008.








attached
2009:
After the surgery it took about 2 years until my lungs were so bad values back as before the operation.