Early effects of vertical banded gastroplasty on pulmonary function tests

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to obtain a numerical assessment of the effect of vertical banded gastroplasty [VBG] on different pulmonary function tests [PFTs]. The study included 21 morbidly obese patients who had PFTs measured preoperatively and six months following VBG. Changes in the mean body mass index [BMI] and PFTs were analyzed using paired t test. Six months following VBG there was a significant BMI reduction from a mean of 49.64 +/- 8.44 kg/m2 to 38.01 +/- 6.46 kg/m2. There was a highly significant improvement in restrictive pulmonary dysfunction represented by changes of mean SVC from 3.13 +/- 10.47 L to 3.33 +/- 0.53 L and mean FVC from 3.07 +/- 0.5 L to 3.33 +/- 0.5 L. There was also a significant improvement in obstructive pulmonary dysfunction represented by changes of mean PEFR from 5.58 +/- 0.85 L/S to 6.12 +/- 0.94 L/S and mean FEVl from 2.54 +/- 0.42 L to 2.81 +/- 0.41 L. The FEF75% was significantly improved from 0.81 +/- 0.13 L/S to 0.94 +/- 0.18 L/S. Also, the peak inspiratory flow rate [PIFR] showed a significant improvement from 5.1 +/- 1.32 L/S to 6.01 +/- 1.03 L/S. The overall lung performance significantly improved as evidenced by elevation of ERV from 0.63 +/- 0.2 L to 0.93 +/- 0.24 L. MVV, which reflects work of breathing, also revealed significant improvement from 88.9 +/- 15.41 L/min. to 98.35 +/- 17.01 L/min. It was concluded that VBG produced highly significant improvement in both restrictive and obstructive PFTs as well as overall lung performance in a period of six months. Also it produced a significant improvement in the work of breathing