Prediction of Cardiopulmonary Morbidity after Resection for Lung Cancer: Stair Climbing Test Complications after Lung Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the role of a modified stair climbing test in predicting postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. Methods: A consecutive series of 150 patients who had undergone pulmonary resection for lung carcinoma formed the prospective database of this study. All patients performed a preoperative modified stair climbing test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications. Results: With univariate analysis, the patients with complications had a lower pre-exercise and postexercise percentage of oxygen saturation. PaO₂ levels were found to be lower and a greater change in oxygen desaturation during exercise was noted. Logistic regression analysis showed that the percent of oxygen saturation pre-exercise and the change in percent of oxygen desaturation during exercise were independent and reliable predictors of cardiopulmonary morbidity. Conclusions: A modified stair climbing test is a safe, economical and simple test capable of predicting cardiopulmonary complications.

Key words

lung cancer - surgery - complications

References

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