Lung surgery

Definition

Lung surgery is any surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to directly affect the lungs. Examples include removal of a section of lung because of a tumor or an infection, biopsy of the lung to obtain a diagnosis, and lung transplantation.

Alternative Names

Thoracotomy; Lung tissue removal; Pneumonectomy; Lobectomy; Lung biopsy; Thoracoscopy

Indications

Lung surgery may be recommended for the following reasons:

Convalescence

Hospital stay is usually 7 to 10 days. Deep breathing is important to help prevent pneumonia and infection and to re-expand the lung. The chest tube remains in place until the lung has fully expanded.

Pain is managed with medication. The patient usually recovers fully by 1 to 3 months after the operation.

Expectations after surgery

The outcome depends on the type and severity of the problem, but many patients recover nicely.

Risks

Risks for any anesthesia include the following:

  • Reactions to medications
  • Problems breathing
Risks for any surgery include the following:
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
Additional risks of lung surgery include the following:
Pulmonary lobectomy - series
Pulmonary lobectomy - series
Review Date: 5/30/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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