If non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains within a small area of the lung, a thoracic surgeon can perform a wedge resection. This is a procedure during which the diseased portion of tissue, along with a surrounding ring of healthy tissue, is removed. It is typically performed when the condition is in its early stages.

If the cancer cells spread throughout a lobe, the surgeon will perform a lobectomy. The entire diseased lobe is removed. It is a common operation, and leaves the patient with sufficient lung function to resume their normal activities following their recovery.

When the diseased cells have spread throughout the lung, it may be necessary to remove the entire organ. This is done with an operation known as a pneumonectomy. While the patient can survive with a single lung, his or her lung capacity will be severely impaired.

Circumstances That Warrant A Pneumonectomy

Doctors normally avoid performing a pneumonectomy when NSCLC can be successfully treated using alternative, less-invasive measures. However, if other options are limited or nonexistent, there may be little choice if the goal is to preserve the life of the patient.

If the cancer cells have spread outside a single lobe, or if the tumor is very large, removing the entire lung is often considered the best long-term option. However, it is only done if the surgeon is convinced the patient is in good health, and will be left with sufficient lung capacity following the operation. If this condition is not met, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, a bilobectomy (i.e. removal of two lobes), is done instead.

Before And During Lung Cancer Surgery: What To Expect

Prior to undergoing a pneumonectomy, your doctor will order several tests. Some of these tests are done to confirm the cancer has not spread beyond the lungs. If the disease has metastasized, surgery may no longer be a viable solution. Other tests are ordered to confirm you will retain enough lung function to survive following the operation.

During this preliminary stage, it is important that you inform your physician of any drugs you’re currently taking. Anticoagulants, in particular, may lead to complications during surgery.

When you arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery, you will be connected to several monitors that will track your vital signs. You’ll then be given general anesthesia, and prepared for the procedure.

Minimally-invasive techniques may be used, though many hospitals and surgical centers have yet to adopt them for use during a pneumonectomy. Such methods are more common when performing a lobectomy. Once your diseased lung has been removed, your surgeon will examine the site for signs of bleeding. If none exists, the entry points are closed, and you’ll be moved to an intensive care unit (ICU) for recovery.

Recovering From The Procedure

If traditional thoracotomy (i.e. a long incision into your chest) is done, recovery will take longer than would be the case if a minimally invasive approach is used. You might stay within the ICU for four or five days before being transferred to a normal recovery room. While you are there, your doctor and nurses will monitor your vital signs to ensure there are no complications. They will also encourage you to walk as soon as possible to exercise your remaining lung, and reduce the chance of clotting.

In most cases, patients are released from the hospital within ten or eleven days to complete their recovery at home. If you underwent minimally-invasive lung cancer surgery, you can expect to return to your normal activities within six to eight weeks (though some patients may require more time).

Undergoing a pneumonectomy will likely prevent you from enjoying strenuous activity. The absence of one lung limits the remaining lung’s ability to oxygenate blood for the rest of your body. Consult your doctor regarding activities that may be problematic following this procedure.

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Category: Cancer Survival
Keywords: lung cancer, whole lung cancer, lung cancer treatment, lung cancer surgery