Abstract
Rationale: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is useful in preoperative assessment of patients undergoing lung resections. As lung and head/neck cancer share common risk factors, laryngectomized patients have a limited preoperative assessment due to the absence of commercially available equipment to perform an interface between the tracheostoma and the CPET.
Objective: To assess the effectiviness of a method of coupling the pneumotachograph to laryngectomized patients in order to allow a maximal incremental test.
Methods: We used a hydrocolloid plaque (DuoDERMÒCGF15 cm x 20 cm) with an orifice of the same size of the pneumotachograph mouthpiece and the CPET equipment connecting device was attached to the tracheostoma after affixing the plaque on the patient (Fig 1). Three patients performed an incremental CPET up to the maximum limit of tolerance for preperative lung resection.
Results: There were no complications during CPET. Tests were considered maximal in all patients (RER 1,1 ± 0,1; Borg Dyspnea 7) and no air leak was detected. All patients had a normal VO2/W relationship and a linear response of ventilatory and cardiovascular variables was observed. Two patients underwent surgery with no complications and the other patient was referred for chemotherapy (a worsening of cancer staging).
Conclusion: Incremental CPET can be successfully performed in patients with permanent tracheostomy with a low cost technique.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2018 52: Suppl. 62, PA2485.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2018