Pulmonary lobectomy, removal of a lung lobe: what is this operation, causes, Contraindications, how they do it, what after

Description lobectomy

Each lung is made up of 2 or 3 sections, called shares. Lobectomy – surgical removal of one of these sections of the lung.

Reasons for lobectomy

Lobectomy is used to treat a range of lung conditions., such as:

• Lung cancer;
• Congenital defects of the lung;
• Lung cyst;
• Tuberculosis;
• Fungal infections;
• Abscesses;
• Эmfizema.

Possible complications when removing a lung

If you plan to lobectomy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Infection;
• Bleeding;
• Reaction to anesthesia;
• Collapsed lung;
• The need for long-term artificial respiration on a ventilator;
• Damage to neighboring organs or structures;
• Death.

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• Advanced age;
• Obesity;
• Diabetes;
• Excessive alcohol consumption.

How is lobectomy?

Preparing to remove lobe

• Your doctor may be made or assign the following:
  • Medical checkup;
  • Blood and urine tests;
  • Chest X-ray – test, which uses X-rays to take pictures of structures inside the body;
  • Lung function tests – test, for assessing the functionality of the lungs;
  • US – test, which uses sound waves to examine the lungs;
  • CT scan – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to take pictures of structures in the body;
  • MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of body structures.
• Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before the surgery may need to stop taking certain drugs:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin.
• Follow a special diet, if indicated doctor;
• On the eve of the operation in the evening you can eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink for the night;
• If appointed, you need to take antibiotics or other medicines;
• You may be asked to take a shower with a special soap the night before the procedure;
• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home from the hospital. Also organizes home care during the recovery period.

Anesthesia for lung lobe removal

When you delete a share of easy apply general anesthesia, which blocks the pain and the patient support in a sleep state during operation. The throat will put the breathing tube.

Procedure lobectomy

Lobectomy can be done one of two ways:

• Traditional thoracotomy – It will be made a large incision. The ribs are spread apart. Doctor detects and removes problematic lobe;
• Breast surgery , controlled video – between the ribs will be done a few small incisions. Through them will be inserted a tiny camera and special surgical instruments. The doctor can see the inside of the chest on the monitor. Abnormal lung lobe will be located and removed.

If lobectomy is performed to remove the cancer, physician also removes lymph nodes in the chest. They will check for signs of cancer.

After completion of the procedure, the doctor sets a chest drainage tube. They will help take out the chest cavity fluid accumulates. Section (s) will be closed sutures or staples.

Immediately after lobectomy

You will be directed to the recovery room. Through the IV will be submitted the necessary fluids and medications.

How long will lobectomy?

The procedure takes about 1-4 hours.

Removing lobe – Will it hurt?

You may feel some pain after the anesthetic action. Doctor will prescribe pain medication, to reduce discomfort.

The average time of stay in the hospital after the removal of lung lobe

• Thoracotomy – about 1-2 weeks;
• Operation, controlled video – 2-5 days.

Care after lobectomy

Care in a hospital

You will be asked to cough and walk often. It is also recommended to use an incentive spirometer,. This device is to perform breathing exercises, which will encourage you to perform deep breaths.

Home Care

Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, which may include:

• Recommended daily walk;
• Avoid heavy lifting during the first few days after surgery;
• Follow your doctor's instructions for the care of the incision;
• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bath or expose the surgical site to water;
• Take pain medicine as directed doctor.

Contact your doctor after lobectomy

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, that do not pass after taking the prescribed medicines, and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Pain, burning, frequent urination or persistent blood in the urine;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Coughing up yellow, green, or bloody mucus;
• Pain and / or swelling of the legs, calves and feet.

In the case of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

• Sudden chest pain;
• Sudden shortness of breath.