Endobroncial valve therephy.

[Pannazaman]

Pls help.

I want to know a brief information about the endobroncial valve therephy, especially pre-op and post-op side effects, costs, days to stay in the hospital, survival rates, etc.

Because my doctor suggested me to get this procedure ASAP.

[Katinka46]

A friend is having this surgery, possibly as we speak! I am waiting for her husband to call. This is being done at St James's Hospital in Leeds. I think it can be done bronchoscopically. She is having two of these little gizmos put in to block off the emphysema areas: they are valves, let the air out but not back in. One side effect is to cause much coughing because the lungs want o get rid of a foreign body. If it doesn't work she will have LVRS. Each valve costs £5000 each, but all on the NHS. So this treatment will run into MEGA cost.

Does that help?

All the best

Kate xx

[junespoon]

I have had 9 valves in left lung , feeling much better, after 12 months , but there is a gentleman on here who can tell you more, I don't think there is a lot of risk . They can be removed if needed.

[markM36]

I saw that a hospital in Bristol is starting another valve trial. In their Voices magazine they explain the procedure and there is a woman who has been treated. May help you with some background uhbristol.nhs.uk/media/2506...

I believe there are other trials ongoing in other cities (Brompton and a hospital in Glasgow among others). Hope it helps!

Mark