Lobectomy of the lung is a
surgical
Surgery ''cheirourgikē'' (composed of χείρ, "hand", and ἔργον, "work"), via la, chirurgiae, meaning "hand work". is a medical specialty that uses operative manual and instrumental techniques on a person to investigate or treat a pat ...
operation where a
lobe of the
lung is removed.
It is done to remove a portion of diseased lung, such as early
stage
Stage or stages may refer to:
Acting
* Stage (theatre), a space for the performance of theatrical productions
* Theatre, a branch of the performing arts, often referred to as "the stage"
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lung cancer.
In addition to cancer, a lobectomy can also help to treat such things as a fungal infection,
emphysema and
tuberculosis.
Administration
The most common type of lobectomy is known as a
thoracotomy
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure to gain access into the pleural space of the chest. It is performed by surgeons (emergency physicians or paramedics under certain circumstances) to gain access to the thoracic organs, most commonly the hea ...
. When this type of surgery is done the chest is opened up. An incision will be made on the side of the chest where the affected area of the lung is located. The incision will be in between the two ribs located in that area. The surgeon will then be able to have access to the chest cavity once the two involved ribs have been pried open. The surgeon will then be able to remove the lobe where the problem is contained.
Another less invasive lobectomy procedure can be performed through a
video assisted surgery, where the surgeon does not need to pry the two ribs open in order to get access. A few small incisions are made and surgical tools are inserted into the chest cavity aided by a small video camera. The video images will be projected onto a screen that the surgeon can see. Once the problem area is located the small tools that were previously inserted will be utilized to perform the surgery.
Once the surgery is complete, the patient will remain in the intensive care unit of the hospital for a day. They will then remain in a regular hospital room for about 4 to 7 days.
Risks
As with any surgery, complications may occur. Post lobectomy air leak is a significant clinical problem,
and patients undergoing pulmonary resections often present with postoperative air leaks.
Other risk factors include infections, reactions to anesthesia, bleeding,
pneumothorax
A pneumothorax is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall. Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. In a minority of cases, a one-way valve i ...
and
bronchopleural fistula. The main infection that a patient runs the risk of is
pneumonia. Pneumothorax occurs when there is air trapped between the lung and the chest wall. This can lead to the patients lung collapsing.
A bronchopleural fistula is when there is a tube like opening that allows air to escape.
Minimally invasive surgery is beneficial for patient outcome, with reduced risk of complications.
After
Once the surgery is complete, the patient will remain in the intensive care unit of the hospital for a day. They will then remain in a regular hospital room for about 4 to 7 days.
After the patient returns home they typically remain in recovery for about four to six weeks, although some patients may be able to return to work and normal activities sooner. Pain is very common amongst patients for quite some time after a lobectomy and doctors will usually prescribe pain medication to help with this.
Chest tubes are left inside the patient in order to help excess fluid drain and are removed after a few days. Before removal, doctors must ensure that there is no air or fluid leaking from them.
In addition to this, follow up appointments will be scheduled with the patients doctor. X-rays will be taken of the patient's lung to make sure everything is healing properly.
Patients that have had a lobectomy with no major risks shall recover in no longer than three months.
See also
*
Lung volume reduction surgery
Cardiothoracic surgery is the field of medicine involved in surgical treatment of organs inside the thoracic cavity — generally treatment of conditions of the heart (heart disease), lungs (lung disease), and other pleural or mediastinal struc ...
References
External links
Videoof minimally invasive lung lobectomy
* {{Commons category-inline
Lung cancer
Surgical oncology
Surgical removal procedures
Pulmonary thoracic surgery