Compensation of pulmonary function after upper lobectomy versus lower lobectomy

Objective Major lung resection may induce expansion of the remaining lung, accompanied by some gain in the function of this lung; however, the impact of the site of resection on this compensatory response remains unclear. Methods We measured computed tomography-based functional lung volume, representing normal lung attenuation (−600 to −910 Hounsfield units), and spirometry-based lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively in patients with lung cancer and compared them between patients undergoing upper lobectomy (n = 34) and patients undergoing lower lobectomy (n = 26). Results We removed 17% ± 4% of the functional lung volume by upper lobectomy and 27% ± 5% by lower lobectomy ( P