Surgery for nearly inoperable bilateral giant bullae in a patient with severe pulmonary dysfunction

Abstract

A 55-year-old male with bilateral pulmonary giant bullae had been treated with home oxygen therapy for several years. Dyspnea on effort worsened and he was introduced to our hospital to investigate operability. Upon admission, the percent vital capacity was 38.7% and forced expiratory volume in 1 second was 470 mL, indicating a nearly inoperable condition due to severe pulmonary dysfunction. Nevertheless, we considered surgery to be possible because the pulmonary vascular bed was preserved. We performed a sequential bilateral bullectomy using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, and the pulmonary functions significantly improved.