The information below explains the surgical procedure I will most likely have.
Lobectomy – The surgical removal of an entire lobe of the lung. The right lung is divided into three lobes; the left lung has two lobes.
Bilobectomy – The surgical removal of the middle and lower lobes of the right lung.
Thoracotomy
What is a thoracotomy?
Until recently, the standard procedure for all lung cancer surgeries has been to make a thoracotomy. This is a five to ten inch incision on the chest, typically under the shoulder blade, but its location varies somewhat by surgeon. The underlying muscles are either split or divided and the ribs are spread apart with a retractor to give the surgeon access to the chest cavity and tumor.
Until recently, the standard procedure for all lung cancer surgeries has been to make a thoracotomy. This is a five to ten inch incision on the chest, typically under the shoulder blade, but its location varies somewhat by surgeon. The underlying muscles are either split or divided and the ribs are spread apart with a retractor to give the surgeon access to the chest cavity and tumor.
Patients having a thoracotomy are completely asleep / unconscious (general anesthesia) and are placed on their side. Using a special tube inserted into the windpipe (trachea) the lung being operated on is deflated or collapsed, while the other one is inflated with the assistance of a mechanical device called a ventilator.
Once the lung resection is completed, the operated lung is reinflated and the chest is repaired by closing the ribs, muscles and skin with sutures. One or two drainage tubes are left in place to evacuate air and fluid. These tubes are usually removed after 3-5 days.
The first day after surgery may be spent in the intensive care unit of the hospital. A variety of tubes, catheters, and monitors may be required after surgery to monitor heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. The usual hospital stay after a thoracotomy is 4-6 days.
Surgical Risks
With every thoracic surgery there are potential risks involved for the patient. It is important to go over your individual medical history and review these risks with your surgeon and medical team before the procedure. Risks from thoracic surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Collapsed lung
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Blood clot
- Fluid build up
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