Exercise Limitation Following Extensive Pulmonary Resection*

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Abstract
The relative importance of ventilatory capacity, diffusing capacity and maximal cardiac output in limiting maximal oxygen intake following extensive pulmonary resection was studied in 8 patients in whom the amount of lung resected ranged from 45-67%. Maximal oxygen intake as defined by Mitchell, Sproule and Chapman was reduced in all patients although not in proportion to the amount of lung removed. During peak exercise minute ventilation was frequently found to approach maximal breathing capacity; however, in no instance could the reduced maximal oxygen intake be ascribed solely to impaired ventilation. Reduced diffusing capacity was a significant factor in reducing maximal oxygen intake only in the 2 patients with the most amount of lung removed (64% and 67%). By exclusion, the remaining patients were limited in maximal oxygen intake by reduced maximal cardiac output.