Surgical and Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction for Severe Emphysema: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Background: Along with lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), bronchoscopic lung volume reduction is a treatment option for end-stage emphysema. However, comparisons among interventions remain insufficient.

Methods: We searched on PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science. We included randomized controlled trials with outcomes measuring mid-term mortality within 6 months, changes in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), six-minute walk distance (6MWD) from baseline, adverse event related to procedures, and long-term mortality within 5 years. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. The certainty was assessed by CINeMA.

Results: Twenty-five randomized controlled trials involving 4,283 patients were included, identifying seven types of procedures and standard of care. Mid-term mortality increased in LVRS and endobronchial valve (EBV) (LVRS, risk ratio [RR] 3.26, 95% CrI 1.98-6.21, low certainty; EBV, RR 2.06 95% CrI 1.07-4.36, moderate certainty). LVRS showed the largest improvements: change in FEV₁ (187.2 mL, 95% CrI 166.4-209.6), 6MWD (42.2 m, 95% CrI 33.2-50.5), and SGRQ (- 13.29 points, 95% CrI - 27.25-0.75). Among bronchoscopic procedures, high efficacy was noted in EBV and endobronchial coil (EBC) for FEV₁ changes (EBV, 111.8 mL, 95% CrI 92.2-136.2; EBC, 74.1 mL, 95% CrI 47.6-101.7). Pneumothorax increased in these two procedures (EBV, RR 12.75, 95% CrI 5.52-35.48; EBC, RR 4.95, 95% CrI 1.12-40.90).

Conclusion: LVRS offers high efficacies but is accompanied by increased mid-term mortality. EBV and EBC also showed effectiveness; however, they increased pneumothorax, and EBV slightly increased mortality. For accurate assessment, long-term survival data of BLVR are needed.