Lung function and morphology after bilateral hilar stripping in dogs.

Acute changes of lung function and morphology were studied in 3 groups of dogs: after bilateral hilar stripping by ipsilateral approach (group 1), after right-side hilar stripping and left pneumonectomy by left-sided approach only (group 2) and in a control group. All dogs of group 1 showed a syndrome corresponding to functional hilar stripping with absent Hering-Breuer and cough reflex, slow respiration with increased tidal volume and discharge of fluid from the airways. Alveolar ventilation and oxygen tension, dead space/tidal volume ratio and pulmonary shunting did not change. Cardiac output and arterial oxygen tension were decreased. The lungs were heavy and histological examination showed lymphostasis and interstitial edema. The dogs of group 2 did not show significant changes in comparison to the control group.