A group of 40 individuals who underwent pulmonary resection in childhood were studied by means of spirometric tracings. The time interval between operation and testing varied from 3 months to 19 years. The ages at operation ranged from 3 years to 15 years.No significant disturbance of resting ventilation, oxygen consumption or average tidal air was found. Reduction in vital capacity corresponded to the extent of resection performed and was more marked in those instances in which bilateral resection was necessary. It was noted that reduction in vital capacity was more evident in the inspiratory phase in all instances except those suspected of having continuing pulmonary disease. In these individuals the reduction in vital capacity was more marked in the expiratory reserve phase.Maximum voluntary ventilatory capacity reduction was likewise compared to extent of surgical resection and showed a correlation similar to that of vital capacity. Evidences of pulmonary emphysema were more apparent in those cases whose maximum breathing capacity was markedly reduced. In all but one instance breathing reserve figures were within the normal range.Although children tolerate pulmonary surgery extremely well, the age at operation is not the significant factor in the degree of resultant pulmonary function. The important factors are those of extent of pulmonary resection and consequent pulmonary emphysema.
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