VARIATIONS IN LUNG VOLUME AND COMPLIANCE DURING PULMONARY SURGERY

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Abstract
Functional residual capacity (FRC) and breath-by-breath compliance of the ventilatory system (C15) were measured in 10 mechanically ventilated patients during anaesthesia for lung surgery (pneumonectomy, lobectomy, lung or pleural resections or exploratory thoracotomy). In eight patients not requiring pneumonectomy, FRC of the lower lung decreased by 8±9% (mean± 1 SD) (P < 0.05) while that of the upper lung increased by 75±24% (P < 0.001) when the patient was turned to the lateral position. When the pleura was opened, FRC of the lower lung decreased by a further 10±10% (P 15 decreased from 29±6ml/cm H2O to 23±6ml/cm H2O (P < 0.05) on the lower side when the patient was turned on his side. The corresponding figures on the upper side were 24±8 ml/cm H2O and 30±5ml/cm H2O respectively (P < 0.05). There was no further significant change when the pleura was opened. After surgery when the patient was turned to the supine position, C15 of the lung not operated on was almost the same as before surgery.