Performance at Symptom-Limited Stair-Climbing Test is Associated With Increased Cardiopulmonary Complications, Mortality, and Costs After Major Lung Resection

Performance at a maximal stair-climbing test was reliably associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. We recommend the use of this simple and economic test in all lung resection candidates. Patients who perform poorly at the stair-climbing test should undergo a formal cardiopulmonary exercise test with measurement of oxygen consumption to optimize their perioperative management.