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Alternative Names Return to top
Thoracotomy; Lung tissue removal; Pneumonectomy; Lobectomy; Lung biopsy; ThoracoscopyDefinition Return to top
Lung surgery is any surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to directly affect the lungs. Examples include:
Description Return to top
While the patient is under general anesthesia, an incision is made between the ribs to expose the lung. The doctor will examine the chest cavity and remove diseased lung tissue.
This examination may be performed directly (thoracotomy) or with the aid of a camera (thoracoscopy). A chest tube is inserted to drain air, fluid, and blood out of the chest cavity. Then the ribs and skin are closed.
Why the Procedure is Performed Return to top
Lung surgery may be recommended for the following reasons:
Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The outcome depends on the type and severity of the problem, but many patients recover nicely.
Recovery Return to top
Hospital stay is usually 7 - 10 days. Deep breathing is important to help prevent pneumonia and infection and to re-expand the lung. The chest tube remains in place until the lung has fully expanded.
Pain is managed with medication. Most people recover fully by 1 - 3 months after the operation.
Update Date: 5/15/2008 Updated by: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |