If the patient has CO2 retention and if it is due to an obstructive defect, the patient is not a candidate for any surgical resection. On the other hand, if the CO2 retention is due to causes other than obstruction, eg: central hypoventilation, it is not a contraindication for surgery. If the FEV1 volume is more than 1 liter, it is unlikely that the CO2 retention is due to obstructive defect.
Hypoxemia is not a consideration. It is quite possible pO2 levels can improve following resection of lung with tumor.
Return to Preop PFT