Changes in the function of external breathing in patients who underwent lung decortication after post-pneumonic pleurisy

R.V. Duka; O.V. Bilov; M.V. Duka

doi:10.26641/2307-0404.2025.2.333439

Authors

R.V. Duka Dnipro State Medical University, Volodymyra Vernadskoho str., 9, Dnipro, 49044, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3962-8746
O.V. Bilov Dnipro State Medical University, Volodymyra Vernadskoho str., 9, Dnipro, 49044, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8076-6871
M.V. Duka MNE “City Clinical Hospital No. 16” of the Dnipro City Council, B. Chmelnytskoho ave., 19, Dnipro, 49069, Ukraine https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5004-5161

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26641/2307-0404.2025.2.333439

Keywords:

decortication, pleurisy, pleural effusion, functions of external respiration

Abstract

This article explores changes in pulmonary function in patients who underwent lung decortication as a method of treating complications caused by post-pneumonic pleurisy. It is emphasized that complications such as post-pneumonic pleurisy may lead to the formation of pulmonary fibrosis, which results in a progressive decrease in the effectiveness of external respiratory function. The objective of this research was to assess the clinical effectiveness of surgical lung decortication in individuals with complicated post-pneumonic pleurisy during the early postoperative period based on comparative analysis of spirometric indicators measured both before and after the surgical procedure. A total of 36 patients who suffered from post-pneumonic pleurisy and underwent decortication were included in this study. The primary diagnostic tool used was spirometry. Pulmonary function tests were performed in full compliance with the guidelines of the European Respiratory Society, ensuring accuracy and consistency of results. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test for dependent samples confirmed that decortication led to a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in ventilation performance. The procedure was especially effective for addressing restrictive ventilatory impairments caused by fibrotic changes in the pleura, which develop due to the complicated course of pleurisy. Indications for decortication included severe impairment of lung ventilation, radiological signs of fibrin adhesions, and failure of less invasive interventions such as pleural puncture. The operation enables to noticeably improve the quality of life of patients, achieved through the restoration of respiratory function and decrease of restrictive disorders already in early postoperative period: a 16% increase in forced vital capacity and a 13% improvement in forced expiratory volume in the first second. These outcomes correspond with those documented in international clinical studies, confirming the value and effectiveness of the procedure.

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