Pulmonary function changes in the lateral position following Pneumonectomy

Summary

For the purpose of the investigation the effect of changes in position on seven cases of pneumonectomy was examined. The patients were examined in the supine and right and left lateral positions. The investigations carried out were spirometiy, lung compliance and in three cases, Functional Residual Capacity using the closed circuit helium method.

In all cases there was least ventilatory obstruction when the patient was in the left lateral position with the remaining lung up. There was an apparent increase in elastance in this position but when this factor was divided by the Functional Residual Capacity to correct for the change in lung volume it appeared that the compliance per unit of lung volume was the same in all positions.