Learn about lobectomy surgery

Lobectomy is often the mainstay of treatment for patients in the early stages of lung cancer, when there is only one tumor on one side of the lung.
In this case, a lobectomy is the best chance for healing and may also be the only treatment the patient needs. But it is not salvageable when the cancer has spread to the entire lung or to other parts of the body.
Surgery can also help eliminate other diseases in the patient's half of the lung, such as:
Tuberculosis Emphysema Emphysema Noncancerous tumors Fungal infections Lung abscesses When lobes are damaged If the injury is removed, other parts of the lung will expand and make it easier for the person to breathe.

Recommended video: What is the job of the lungs?

Doctors can perform surgery in different ways. The method most appropriate for the patient will depend on the type and location of symptoms as well as the general health of the patient's body. Procedures include:
Open surgery, called thoracotomy: In this type of surgery, the surgeon makes an incision along one side of the chest. They will spread the ribs to the chest, to easily see inside and remove the affected lobe of the lung. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): Surgeons will conduct this surgery through 2 to 4 small cuts in the patient's chest, one about 6.5cm long and other small cuts in the patient's chest. The remaining traces are about 1.3cm. The surgeon will use a tube with a small built-in camera to look inside and guide the tools. Unlike open surgery, the patient will not have a long cut in the chest and so the patient will heal faster and with less pain. Robotic surgery: The surgeon will sit at a control place next to the patient and control the robotic arms to perform the surgery. This procedure makes 10 to 12cm cuts between the ribs, so there's less blood loss, a lower risk of infection, and a quicker recovery.

A lobectomy is a major surgery, with risks associated with it, such as:
Infection Atelectasis pus formation in the space between the lung and the patient's chest wall Risks After lobectomy depends on the patient's health status and underlying disease factors. Consult your doctor to minimize the possible risks.

The specialist will ask the patient to do some tests to look at the condition of the patient's lungs. Based on the results of these tests, your doctor may recommend a program to improve breathing function, called respiratory rehabilitation, before surgery. Patients can also perform rehabilitation treatment and physical therapy after surgery.
The doctor may also ask the patient to:
Stop smoking at least one month before surgery. If the patient still smokes, the patient will not be able to recover quickly, and will easily take the risks after the surgery. Exercise regularly, this makes the patient's lungs work better. Stop taking anticoagulants, such as Aspirin

Healing after surgery takes some time. If the patient has open surgery, the patient may be hospitalized for a few weeks, the patient will be discharged sooner if the VATS or robot surgery.
Things to watch out for:
Pain: Most people experience discomfort for the first few months after surgery. You will receive pain relievers when you leave the hospital, but you will take them less often over time. A warm bath is a good way to relieve muscle soreness. Fatigue: The patient will feel tired and short of breath for the first few days. This is normal and should improve in a few weeks Constipation : Pain relievers and inactivity can lead to this problem. Everything will return to normal when the patient stops taking the pain medication. For the time being, you can consult your doctor before taking any laxatives and stool softeners prescribed by your doctor. Exercise: You will need to walk every day to regain strength and keep your lungs healthy and clean. Any questions that need to be answered by a specialist doctor as well as customers wishing to be examined and treated at Vinmec International General Hospital, please book an appointment on the website to be served.

Article referenced source: Webmd.com
SEE ALSO:
Common types of lung surgery What are lobes of the lung? What you need to know about lung biopsies