Pulmonary Lobectomy (Removal of a Lung Lobe)

Prior to Procedure

• Your doctor will likely do the following:
  
  • Physical exam
  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Chest x-ray —a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body, especially bones
  • Pulmonary function test —a test to assess the capacity of your lungs to undergo surgery
  • Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the lungs
  • CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to take pictures of structures in the body
  • MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures in the body
• Review your medications with your surgeon; you may need to stop taking some of them.
• Follow a special diet.
• Take antibiotics or other medications.
• Shower the night before the procedure using antibacterial soap.
• Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure, and arrange for help at home as you recover.
• Eat a light meal the night before, and do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• Wear comfortable clothing the day of your procedure.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be administered. You will be asleep for the duration of the procedure. A tube will be placed in your windpipe to help you breathe.

Description of the Procedure

There are two methods of performing a lobectomy:

• In the first, your surgeon will make a large rib-spreading incision, and then locate and remove the lung lobe in which the tumor resides.
• In a second method, robot-assisted thoracic procedures , the surgeon will make several small incisions between your ribs through which a tiny camera and surgical instruments are inserted. While viewing the inside of your chest on a monitor, the doctor will locate and remove the cancer-containing lobe.

In most lobectomies, the surgeon will also remove lymph glands in your chest so they can be tested for any malignancy. After completing the procedure, your surgeon will place tubes in your chest to help drain the chest cavity and close the incision(s) with stitches or staples.

After Procedure

Once the anesthesia has worn off, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be given fluids and medications through an intravenous (IV) line. You will be instructed to cough and walk frequently, and may use an incentive spirometer, which is a breathing exercise device.

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure takes about 1-4 hours.

Will It Hurt?

You may feel some pain as the anesthesia wears off, but pain can be managed with medications.

Possible Complications

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Anesthesia-related problems
• Bleeding in the lung cavity (hemothorax)
• Collection of air or gases in the lung cavity (pnemothorax)
• Collapsed lung
• Need for prolonged artificial respiration on a ventilator
• Damage to neighboring organs or structures
• Death

Average Hospital Stay

Your recovery in the hospital will be about 1-2 weeks.

Postoperative Care

You will receive instruction from your doctor about your diet and activities. You will likely be told to walk daily and limit lifting during the first few days after your surgery.

You will be prescribed medications to manage pain and given instructions on how to take care of your incision.