Like with any surgery, there re possible complications. The centers that have good reputations and do these regularly (ask about how many they've done and their track record) are well prepared for any complications. Getting pneumonia three years after the surgery could just have been bad luck. The typical complications include problems with drainage tubes, collapsed lungs and sometimes pneumonia. Ask about those, too.

I had part of my lung out through cancer nreathing was horrible for 4/5 months lm much better now when l went to see my consultant yesterday my lung had expanded l fidnt know it could but my breathing is also a lot better xxc good luck xcc

I knew someone who had that surgery. She said she could breath much better after operation and didn't need oxygen. However she developed pneumonia and lived 3 years after operation. I heard pneumonia is a complication of that operation. Ask your Doctor.

Thank you for the info. I would be going to Riverside in southern California. My pulmonary doctor is well aware of requirements. She has given me lots of info but I wanted to touch base with folks loving with the results. I go in for breathing tests next week to see if the numbers the are needed to meet requirements. If I do meet that requirement she will set up the other procedures.

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery is an excellent possibility if you meet the criteria. Both Columbia Presbyterian in NYC and Duke have excellent LVRS programs and reputations. I know a number of people who've had the surgery and found it to be very successful for them.

I suggest you read everything on this site to be sure you understand what the research showed: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-pro/resources/l... You might want to send your doc this link as well. The basic requirements are that you have significantly more damage to the upper lobes than the lower ones. Each center has their own way of determining this, but the best of them us a very high level CT scan and have the results analyzed and determine what the percent of damage is in the upper lobes versus the lower lobes. Generally they want to see 20% more damage in the upper ones than the lower ones.

You will need to undergo testing at the site and be in an intensive exercise program to be successful.