Methodist Only Center In Southern United States To Perform Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

THE METHODIST HOSPITAL SYSTEM

The J.C. Walter Jr. Methodist Transplant Center is the only center in the southern United States approved to perform lung volume reduction surgery, a surgery that cures chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a certain group of patients. “This surgery is only effective in patients who have emphysema in the upper part of their lungs, and not for those who have emphysema all over their lungs,” said Dr. Harish Seethamraju, director of the lung transplant program. “These are patients who can no longer walk, need oxygen and have a very poor quality of life.” COPD is a condition that makes it hard for a person to breathe and progressively gets worse over time. Smoking is the leading cause of the disease that affects more than 12 million people in the U.S. and it is the nation’s fourth leading cause of death. Symptoms include coughing up mucus, shortness of breath, fatigue and wheezing. Learn more at http://www.methodisthealth.com/body.cfm?id=495&action=detail&ref=827