In Brief:
Pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively for a series of 44 patients who underwent endoscopic anterior scoliosis surgery. Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume-1 both decrease initially, followed by recovery to 5% to 8% higher than preoperative values at 24 months. Therefore, the endoscopic procedure has no lasting negative effect on pulmonary function, and with prolonged follow-up, pulmonary capacity improves beyond preoperative levels.
