© 2026 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Study Finds Mixed Success in Emphysema Surgery

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that removing diseased lung tissue to treat emphysema may be most beneficial to the sickest patients, those with upper lung damage. But the experimental surgery actually increased the death rate in less ill patients with disease in the bottom part of the lungs. NPR's Joanne Silberner reports.

Copyright 2003 NPR

Joanne Silberner is a health policy correspondent for National Public Radio. She covers medicine, health reform, and changes in the health care marketplace.
Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.