Data Collection
All participants’ demographic data, physical examination findings, transcutaneous oxygen saturations (%), venous blood gases analysis (Ph, CO2) and pulmonary function test (Spirometry, LCI) measurements were recorded. Time of onset of symptoms, localisation of the abnormality, mean age at surgery, pre- and post- operative symptoms and postoperative complications were collected from their medical archives. Respiratory infection symptoms (cough, fever, wheeze, chest pain) were asked as pre- and post-operative symptoms.
Spirometric measurement was performed by using Winspro PRO 2.8 (MIR, Italy). For LCI measurements, Exhalyzer D, EcoMedics AG, Switzerland, (Nitrogen (N2) based), was used. The cut-off value of LCI was defined as the mean LCI value of the control group. Both PFTs were performed in accordance with American Thoracic Society (ATS), European Respiratory Society (ERS) criteria8,10,14.