[Effect of perioperative treatment with ambroxol on lung cancer patients after video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the influence of perioperative intravenous administration of ambroxol on pulmonary function, postoperative complications, postoperative hospital stay, and cost after video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer.

METHODS:

Sixty patients who underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer in Xiangya Hospital, Central South University between May 2011 and May 2012 were randomly assigned into 2 groups: An ambroxol group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). In the ambroxol group, patients were given ambroxol (1 000 mg/d) on the day of operation and on the first 3 postoperative days. In control group, placebo was given. The pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases, incidence of perioperative morbidity, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, duration of ICU stay, length and costs of postoperative hospital stay were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS:

The 2 groups were well matched for demographics and operative variables. The ambroxol group showed better the percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1%), the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%), the percent predicted diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO%) and arterial oxygen pressure than the control group. The postoperative pulmonary complications was significantly reduced, the duration of mechanical ventilation and the length of ICU stay were shortened, and the length and costs of postoperative hospital stay were significantly decreased in the ambroxol group compared with the control group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Perioperative intravenous administration of ambroxol can improve the postoperative lung function, reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications, shorten the length of postoperative hospital stay, and lower the total cost of hospitalization after video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer.

• Authors: Yang Gao, Yuanda Cheng, Shuo Dong, Zhiwei He, Wolong Zhou, Lubiao Liang, Chunfang Zhang
• Journal: Zhong nan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical sciences (Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban) Vol. 39 Issue 8 Pg. 849-54 (Aug 2014) ISSN: 1672-7347 [Print] China
• PMID: 25202955 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Ambroxol
• Oxygen

Topics

• Ambroxol (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Length of Stay
• Lung (drug effects)
• Lung Neoplasms (surgery)
• Oxygen
• Perioperative Period
• Postoperative Complications
• Respiratory Function Tests
• Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
• Tidal Volume
• Vital Capacity