The patients must work very hard every day at their rehabilitation exercises both before and after the operation. Because surgery is not effective for all emphysema sufferers, patient selection is critical. Approximately 25 percent of emphysema patients are good surgical candidates. Ideal candidates for the operation are severely limited by their emphysema. They have a heterogeneous pattern of emphysema, with some areas of lung showing much more damage than other areas.
Patient motivation is also a key issue.
The limitation of physical activity imposed by emphysema causes generalized deterioiration of muscle function throughout the body. Therefore, if patients seek significant improvement in their activity levels, they must be willing to undergo extensive rehabilitation. Lung volume reduction surgery can improve the mechanics of breathing. Patients must be willing to work for further progress.