Abstract: ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the risk of intrathoracic operation.Methods35 patients associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease undergoing intrathoracic operation were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsPostoperative acute and chronic respiratory failure occurred in 4 patients respectively, resulting in 6 deaths.ConclusionThe indication of patients associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for intrathoracic operation should be critically scrutinized, which may include FVC>60% and MVV>40% or FEV₁>40%.

Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, thoracotomy, respiration function