Pulmonary function tests in the preoperative evaluation of lung cancer surgery candidates. A review of guidelines

Before planned surgical treatment of lung cancer, the patient's respiratory system function should be evaluated. According to the current guidelines, the assessment should start with measurements of FEV(1) (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and DLco (carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity). Pneumonectomy is possible when FEV(1) and DLco are > 80% of the predicted value (p.v.). If either of these parameters is < 80%, an exercise test with VO(2) max (oxygen consumption during maximal exercise) measurement should be performed. When VO(2) max is < 35 % p.v. or < 10 ml/kg/min, resection is associated with high risk. If VO(2) max is in the range of 35-75% p.v. or 10-20 ml/kg/min, the postoperative values of FEV(1) and DLco (ppoFEV(1), ppoDLco) should be determined. The exercise test with VO(2) max measurement may be replaced with other tests such as the shuttle walk test and the stair climbing test. The distance covered during the shuttle walk test should be > 400 m. Patients considered for lobectomy should be able to climb 3 flights of stairs (12 m) and for pneumonectomy 5 flights of stairs (22 m).