There are two types of surgery specifically for COPD. One is Lung Volume Reduction Surgery where they typically remove the upper lobes and allow the lower lobes to move up into the chest cavity. The other is a lung transplant. The requirements for both are pretty stringent and the procedures are usually done at Centers of Excellence. LVRS requires that there be significantly more damage in the upper lobes than the lower lobes and that the patient have low tolerance for exercise. There are other requirements as well, but those are the two that are hardest to meet. Most of us with COPD don't have that much difference in the damage in the upper and lower lobes; the damage we have is pretty homogenous (it's all the same). Even if we do have big differences in the damage, having a low tolerance for exercise is also hard to demonstrate; most of us can tolerate a lot more exercise than we think. Most Centers require that you participate in an intensive PR program prior to surgery and that you continue with the program for a period of time afterward. Some folks who've had the surgery have really good outcomes and get off O2 completely for anywhere from one year to up to 20 years; everyone who meets the initial criteria has the potential for using much less O2 and being able to do a lot more. The benefits of the surgery last on average, five to 10 years, but there are outliers on either end. The requirements for a transplant (TX for short) vary somewhat by Center. There are a whole range of tests that each Center requires you to complete prior to determining whether you make it to the List. Once you're Listed, it can be a long wait: I know people who waited over four years for a set of lungs. So where you live and where you're wiling to go does make a difference. For some folks the hardest part is being within two to three hours of the TX Center while you're waiting, because you have to have your built-in support system ready and waiting with you, so it could mean moving for several years, depending on what Center you choose. Generally, though, the requirements are that you have a built-in support system, you pass all the tests and agree to be Listed. Most places won't do testing if your FEV1 is above 30% or you're over 75. That's not set in concrete and there are exceptions, so you'll have to find out what the requirements for the Center you chose are. With a TX, you often exchange one set of problems and almost certain death for another set of problems and prolonged life. The average expectancy after a TX is 5+ years, and that tends to climb every time I see the averages; again, there are outliers on either end: some people who die during the procedure or immediately after, and those who've lived for more than 20 years.

Marcia Scott, I think the biggest question is why does your pulmo think you're a good candidate for LVRS. If you ask that question, you will learn a lot. If he begins to talk about where the damage is in your lungs, your intolerance for exercise, etc. you know that he knows something about the process and what's required. If he just thinks it's something you should find out about as a possibility, then he doesn't know, but he's offering it as something YOU can check out. Either way, I'd ask if he knows places where the surgery is performed and does he have the name of a particular surgeon. That way you have a place to start. Then you need to look in your area to see if there's any place (usually universities and med schools or very large teaching hospitals are good places to look) where the surgery is done. Be sure to ask how many they do and get them to have people who have been successfully treated call you so you can ask questions and talk to someone who's experienced it. You would probably be asked to come to meet with a surgeon who would order a variety of tests performed to be sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery and then you can decide whether you want it or not. Going through the testing is the only way you're going to be able to make an informed decision and even if it turns out you're not a good candidate, you will learn a lot about yourself and your COPD, especially if you ask lots of questions.

There is also bellectomy surgery

Tks will do

Tks Jean, explanation was very helpful. Really I don't know what part of the lungs we're my copd has infected. This is all New to me. I'm like in denial, however still can't breath that well. Do I need to ask the Dr. were the copd is located .My Dr. Is really nice, however if I don't ask any questions, he don't say anything. Just give me instruction on what to do. So any info u know, that I need to know please help me.

Sincerely Marcia