(Removal of a Lung Lobe)
Definition
Definition
Each lung is made up of 2 or 3 sections called lobes. A lobectomy is the surgical removal of one of these sections from the lung.
Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
A lobectomy is used to treat a variety of lung conditions, such as
- Lung cancer
- Birth defects
- Cysts
- Tuberculosis
- Fungal infections
- Abscesses
- Lobar emphysema
Lung CancerCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia-related problems
- Collapsed lung—atelectasis
- Need for prolonged mechanical ventilation
- Damage to nearby organs or structures
- Chronic pain related to the surgery
- Death
Before your procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to manage factors that may increase your risk of complications such as:
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Your doctor may do the following:
- Physical exam
- Blood and urine tests
- Pulmonary function tests
- Imaging tests to assess the lungs and surrounding structures:
- Chest x-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.
Before your procedure, you may need to:
- Follow a special diet.
- Eat a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
- Take antibiotics or other medications.
- Shower the night before the procedure with a special soap.
- Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the procedure.
- Arrange for help at home as you recover.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia will be given—you will be asleep during the procedure
Description of Procedure
A lobectomy may be done in one of two ways:
- Traditional thoracotomy—A large incision will be made. The ribs will be spread. The doctor will locate and remove the lung lobe.
- Video-assisted thoracic procedure—Several small incisions will be made between your ribs. A tiny camera and special tools will be inserted through the incisions. Your doctor will be able to see the inside of your chest on a nearby monitor. The lung lobe will be located and removed.
If you are having a lobectomy to remove cancer, the doctor will also remove lymph glands in your chest. The glands will be tested for any sign of cancer.
After completing the procedure, your doctor will place tubes in your chest. They will help drain the chest cavity. The incision(s) will be closed with stitches or staples.
Immediately After Procedure
You will be taken to a recovery room. You will be given fluids and medications through an IV.
How Long Will It Take?
1-4 hours
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Average Hospital Stay
- Thoracotomy—about 1-2 weeks
- Video-assisted thoracic procedure—2-5 days
Post-procedure Care
At the Hospital
You will be asked to cough and walk often. You may be given an incentive spirometer. This is a breathing exercise device that will encourage you to take deep breaths. The chest tube will be removed before you go home.
Preventing Infection
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same
- Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks
- Not allowing others to touch your incision
At Home
You will have to limit specific activities, but daily walks may be encouraged. Follow instructions on wound care to prevent infection. Your doctor may advise medications to ease discomfort.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you’ve been given
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Coughing up yellow, green, or bloody mucus
- Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs
Call for emergency medical services right away for:
- Sudden chest pain
- Sudden shortness of breath
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://surgery.med.umich.edu/thoracic/patient/discharge_followup/teaching/tscope_lobe.shtml
Accessed May 23, 2013.
Lobectomy. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/lobectomy_92,P07749
Accessed May 23, 2013.
Non-small cell lung cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated April 14, 2013. Accessed May 23, 2013.
6/3/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Mills E, Eyawo O, et al. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.
Last Updated: 1/23/2014