Lung volume reduction for the treatment of emphysema

Patients suffering from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with emphysema on X-ray can be eligible for lung volume reduction, and these patients can therefore be referred to a department of respiratory diseases for further evaluation. Lung volume reduction can be performed either through surgery or endobronchial valve treatment. Both treatment options are effective in carefully selected patients. This review presents an updated status on the indications, effects, and complications of both types of lung volume reduction. It helps identify eligible patients in both the primary and secondary sectors.