Relation Between Reduction Mammaplasty and Pulmonary Functions

Abstract

The hypothesis that weight on the chest may diminish the compliance of the chest wall and affect chest wall dynamics guided this research. Few previous studies investigated the possibility of increasing chest compliance and pulmonary function after reduction mammaplasty. The meager results available were contradictory. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between reduction mammaplasty and pulmonary function. Thirty-three adult female patients who presented for reduction mammaplasty were included in the study. Paired t test showed nonsignificant change in pulmonary functions after reduction mammaplasty. Pearson method of statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between the total weight of breast tissue removed and pulmonary function, and a negative correlation between the total postoperative breast volume and the pulmonary function. The study concluded that the more the breast tissue weight removed and the less the postoperative total breast volume, the better the postoperative pulmonary function.

Intraoperative pulmonary function dynamics in adolescents undergoing reduction mammoplasty: A prospective case series

“…However, a statistically significant difference was not found between preoperative to postoperative pulmonary functions. The differences between the findings in the study by Elhusseiny et al (9) and the present study may be attributed to the timing of lung function measurement, age of the study participants and the weight of breast tissue excised.…”

“…Elhusseiny et al (9) aimed to determine the relationship between reduction mammoplasty and pulmonary function. They found a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative oxygen saturation (P<0.01).…”

Effects of Breast Reduction on Pulmonary Function

“…Removal of the excessive weight from the anterior chest wall would facilitate chest movements, and thus would improve chest compliance. 16 The limitation of the study was the use of spirometry alone in the evaluation of pulmonary function. Although spirometry can provide useful diagnostic and screening information and show restrictive or obstructive disease patterns, in some cases it may not be sensitive enough to show abnormalities before extensive and irreversible damage has been done.…”

Postoperative Health-related Quality of Life in Reduction Mammaplasty

“…Meanwhile, a series of studies have concluded that reduction mammaplasty had positive effects on relieving breathing difficulties 3,42–44 and improving lung function 45 . Theoretically, chest wall compliance is restricted and reduced by heavy and bulky breasts, and chest wall compliance and pulmonary ventilation were improved by reducing the weight in breast mass 46 . According to a recent review by Crittenden et al, 38 breast reduction surgery provides a clinically relevant health benefit.…”