Surgery

Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and treatment.

There are three primary types of lung cancer surgery:

Lobectomy

One of the large sections (lobes) of the lung affected by lung cancer is removed. This is the most commonly performed lung cancer surgery.

Pneumonectomy

The complete removal of an entire lung. Typically chosen when the cancer is centrally located or has spread extensively throughout the lung.

Segmentectomy

Removal of a small portion of the lung. Suitable for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer where the cancer is small and limited to one area.

The type of surgery will depend on your specific diagnosis. Regardless of the chosen approach, the removal of a lobe is accompanied by the extraction of nearby lymph nodes, considering the potential for the spread of disease or cancer.

The surgical process involves making either:

A few small incisions — done minimally invasively, also known as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). A tiny video camera and operating instruments are passed through the cuts, and the surgeon performs the operation from outside the chest. This approach is associated with faster recovery and fewer side effects.
Or via a longer incision on the side of your chest — an open surgery, also known as a thoracotomy.

Before having a lobectomy, your surgeon might do blood tests, check your breathing with pulmonary function tests, check the cardiopulmonary function with a bicycle test (ergospirometry), and do a bronchoscopy.
The duration of the surgery is approximately 3 hours, varying depending on the specific procedure.
Following the surgery, you can expect a hospital stay of 4 to 10 days.
After the surgery you will have several tubes in place, which will be removed as you recover. A drip in a vein in your arm will give you fluid and medicines. There may be tubes in your chest to drain fluid and help your lungs expand.

If you are a smoker, it is strongly advised to quit as soon as possible to minimize the risk of complications during and after surgery.
After lung surgery, it is crucial to start moving again as soon as possible. Movement reduces the risk of complications, such as pneumonia, and accelerates your recovery.
Concerns about breathing after lung surgery are common. However, individuals can typically breathe normally with only one lung. It's important to note that if breathing difficulties existed before the operation, they may persist after surgery.

More information can be found on: cancer.gov/types/lung