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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 removal of a section of lung because of a tumor or an infection, biopsy of the lung to obtain a diagnosis, and lung transplantation.Description Return to top
While the patient is under general anesthesia, an incision is made between the ribs to expose the lung. The chest cavity will be examined and diseased lung tissue will be removed.
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, and then the ribs and skin are closed.
Indications Return to top
Lung surgery may be recommended for the following reasons:Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia include the following:Expectations after surgery Return to top
The outcome depends on the type and severity of the problem, but many patients recover nicely.Convalescence Return to top
Hospital stay is usually 7 to 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. The patient usually recovers fully by 1 to 3 months after the operation.
Update Date: 4/13/2004 Updated by: John A. Daller, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |