Surgical results for bronchiectasis based on hemodynamic (functional and morphologic) classification.

OBJECTIVE: This study was a prospective evaluation of surgical indications and outcomes for unilateral and bilateral bronchiectasis according to hemodynamic (functional and morphologic) classification.

METHODS: Between January 1998 and January 2004, the morphologic features (cystic versus cylindric) by chest computed tomography and the hemodynamic features (perfused versus nonperfused) by lung ventilation/perfusion scan were determined in 66 patients with bronchiectasis (53 unilateral and 13 bilateral). The indication for surgical resection in both groups was the presence of localized areas of cystic, nonperfused bronchiectasis.

RESULTS: In the unilateral bronchiectasis group, there were 28 female and 25 male patients with an average age of 37.5 +/- 3.8 years (range 6-40 years). Pneumonectomy was performed in 10 cases (8 left and 2 right), and lobectomy or bilobectomy was performed in 43. In the bilateral group, there were 7 male and 6 female patients with an average age of 42 +/- 5.4 years (range 9-55 years). Pneumonectomy was performed in 2 cases, lobectomy in 5, and bilateral staged lobectomy in 6. There was 1 postoperative death (1.5%), and morbidity was 18% (12 patients). Four patients required reexploration for bleeding, 4 had prolonged air leak develop, 3 acquired pulmonary infections, and 1 had localized empyema develop. During a mean follow-up of 52 months (range 24-82 months), 48 patients were considered cured (73%) and 17 had symptomatic improvement (26%). Pseudomonas infection and underlying chronic obstructive airway disease were poor prognostic factors (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: The hemodynamic (functional and morphologic) classification provides an accurate functional classification for bronchiectasis. Its application in determining the indications and extent of surgical resection is superior to morphologic classification alone. Curative resection can be achieved in both unilateral and bilateral bronchiectasis with acceptable morbidity.