HEALTH INSIGHTS

COPD: Lung Surgery Options

August 30, 2018

COPD: Lung Surgery Options

Surgery is a choice for a small number of people with severe COPD. The surgeries include bullectomy, lung reduction, and lung transplant.

Bullectomy

This surgery may be done on a person with emphysema, one type of COPD. When someone has emphysema, the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are enlarged. Bullae are very large air sacs. A bullectomy removes the bullae. This makes it easier to breathe.

Lung volume reduction (LVR) surgery

A part of one or both lungs is removed. This creates more space for the healthy parts of the lungs, making it easier to breathe. 

Lung transplant surgery

One or both unhealthy lungs are removed and replaced with lungs from a donor. Having donor organs available is a big challenge. After a lung transplant a person must take medicine to prevent the body from rejecting the new lungs. Lung transplants are not recommended for most people with COPD. 

Talk with your healthcare provider to see if surgery is a choice for you.

Updated:  

August 30, 2018

Reviewed By:  

Alan J Blaivas DO,Wanda Taylor RN PhD,Daphne Pierce-Smith RN MSN CCRC