What is anatomical lung resection?
The surgery that removes a lung or part of the lungs is called a pulmonary resection. In some forms of pulmonary resection, most of the lung tissue is salvaged and only a wedge or segment (lung segmentectomy) of the lungs is removed. Such a surgery is called a limited pulmonary resection.
What is a thoracoscopic procedure?
Thoracoscopy is a procedure a doctor uses to look at the space inside the chest (outside of the lungs). This is done with a thoracoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and a small video camera on the end.
Where is the incision for lung surgery?
A cut (incision) will be made on the front of your chest at the level of the lobe to be removed. The cut will go under your arm around to your back. When the ribs can be seen, a special tool will be used to spread them apart. The lung lobe will be removed.
What is a lung thoracotomy?
A thoracotomy is a surgical procedure in which a cut is made between the ribs to see and reach the lungs or other organs in the chest or thorax. Typically, a thoracotomy is performed on the right or left side of the chest. An incision on the front of the chest through the breast bone can also be used, but is rare.
How long does it take for a lung to heal after surgery?
Normal recovery time Expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 7 days after lung cancer surgery. The hospital stay for open surgery is longer than it is for VATS. Lung cancer surgery is a big operation. Once you’re home from the hospital, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for you to fully recover.
Can endoscopy detect lung problems?
You’ve been told you need an endoscopic procedure to diagnose a problem in your chest or lung. This procedure allows your healthcare provider to view the airway of your lungs and take a tissue sample (biopsy) or treat a lung condition, if needed.
Is thoracoscopic surgery safe?
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Is a Safe and Effective Alternative to Thoracotomy for Anatomical Segmentectomy in Patients With Clinical Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Ann Thorac Surg.
Is it normal to be short of breath after lung surgery?
Breathlessness. Some breathlessness is normal after lung surgery. This depends on the type of operation you have had and how fit and well you normally are. If you had breathing problems before the operation, you might still have some problems afterwards.
Why would you have thoracic surgery?
Thoracic surgery, also known as chest surgery, may be used to diagnose or repair lungs affected by cancer, trauma or pulmonary disease. For lung cancer, your surgeon may remove nodules, tumors and lymph nodes to diagnose, stage and treat the disease.