1. What is the Post Op DLCO Calculator?

The Post Op DLCO Calculator estimates predicted postoperative diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) based on preoperative DLCO values and the number of lung segments removed during surgery.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \text{preoperative DLCO} \) — DLCO measured before surgery (%)
• \( a \) — Number of segments removed during surgery
• \( b \) — Total number of segments in both lungs (typically 19)

Explanation: The equation estimates the remaining lung function after surgery by accounting for the proportion of lung tissue removed.

3. Importance of ppoDLCO Calculation

Details: Predicted postoperative DLCO helps assess surgical risk and predict postoperative pulmonary function, especially in lung resection surgeries.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter preoperative DLCO percentage, number of segments to be removed, and total number of segments. All values must be valid (DLCO > 0, segments removed ≤ total segments).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a normal DLCO value?
A: Normal DLCO values typically range from 75% to 140% of predicted, depending on age, sex, and height.

Q2: How many segments are in human lungs?
A: There are typically 19 segments: 10 in the right lung and 9 in the left lung.

Q3: What ppoDLCO value indicates high surgical risk?
A: Generally, ppoDLCO < 40% indicates increased risk, and < 30% suggests very high risk for major complications.

Q4: When should DLCO be measured preoperatively?
A: DLCO should be measured in all patients being evaluated for lung resection surgery.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This is an estimate and doesn't account for compensatory mechanisms or individual variations in lung function distribution.