Prospective Trial to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality After Lung Surgery in Patients With Reduced Pulmonary Capacity

Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality After Lung Surgery in Patients With FEV1 < 70% of Expected Value or < 1.5L

A fast track recovery program (thoracic epidural anesthesia, carbohydrate drink preoperative, early removal of chest tubes) is evaluated compared to conventional perioperative treatment (patient controlled analgesia, no carbohydrate drink preoperative) in patients with FEV1 < 70% of expected value or < 1.5L who undergo resections of the lung.

Inclusion Criteria:

• resection of the lung
• FEV1 <70% of expected value or below 1.5L
• 18-80y
• given written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindication for epidural anesthesia
• prio ipsilateral thoracotomy
• chemotherapy <6 weeks prior to study enter
• existing pneumonia (fever, elevated WCC, elevated CRP)