Air sacs can form in the lungs, either congenitally or as a result of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These sacs do not perform the breathing process themselves, but rather swell and occupy a space, compressing the healthy lung that will perform the breathing process and preventing it from working. Therefore, the treatment is to surgically remove these sacs.
What does lung volume reduction surgery mean?
Lung volume reduction surgeries are a treatment option for patients with severe emphysema and chronic bronchitis (COPD). Surgery usually involves removing damaged lung tissue, usually approximately 20-30 percent of both lungs. Removing diseased areas reduces the volume of the lung and makes it function better.
The surgery should be performed by a joint decision of a chest diseases specialist and a chest surgery specialist.
