Name of the Procedure:

Removal of Lung, Pneumonectomy

Summary

A pneumonectomy is a surgical procedure to remove an entire lung, typically to treat lung cancer, severe lung disease, or significant trauma. This major surgery helps alleviate symptoms or stop disease progression by removing the affected lung.

Purpose

A pneumonectomy addresses conditions such as lung cancer, severe infections, or irreparable lung damage. The goal is to improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms, or prevent the spread of disease to other parts of the body.

Indications

• Lung cancer not amenable to lesser surgery options
• Severe, chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis)
• Extensive lung damage from trauma or congenital defects
• Certain rare congenital lung conditions

Preparation

• Fasting for 8-12 hours before the procedure
• Discontinuing certain medications as advised by the physician
• Completing necessary diagnostic tests (e.g., CT scan, pulmonary function tests, blood tests)
• Smoking cessation if applicable

Procedure Description

• Performed under general anesthesia
• An incision is made on the side of the chest (thoracotomy)
• The surgeon carefully dissects and removes the affected lung
• The bronchus and blood vessels supplying the lung are tied off and cut
• The chest cavity is closed, often with the placement of a drainage tube to prevent fluid buildup

Duration

The procedure typically takes 2 to 3 hours.

Setting

A pneumonectomy is performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Thoracic Surgeon
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical Nurses
• Respiratory Therapist

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Prolonged air leak
• Bleeding
• Respiratory failure
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
• Complications from anesthesia

Benefits

• Removal of cancerous or diseased lung tissue
• Alleviation of symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, or chronic infection
• Potentially life-saving in certain conditions
• Improved quality of life once recovered

Recovery

• Hospital stay of approximately 1 week
• Postoperative care includes pain management, breathing exercises, and monitoring for complications
• Total recovery time can range from weeks to several months
• Follow-up appointments for monitoring and rehabilitation

Alternatives

• Lobectomy (removal of a lung lobe)
• Segmentectomy (removal of a lung segment)
• Non-surgical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy
• Pros and cons depend on the specific condition, stage of disease, and overall health of the patient

Patient Experience

Patients may feel discomfort and pain initially, managed through medications. They will have reduced lung capacity post-procedure but can adapt over time with rehabilitation. Some may require oxygen therapy temporarily or permanently, depending on the underlying condition and preoperative lung function.