Name of the Procedure:

Thoracoscopy, surgical; with lobectomy (single lobe)

Summary

Thoracoscopy with lobectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove one lobe of the lung. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a thoracoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light—to see inside the chest cavity and guide the removal of the diseased lung tissue.

Purpose

This procedure is primarily used to treat lung conditions such as lung cancer, severe infections, or benign tumors. By removing the affected lobe, the goal is to eliminate diseased tissue, prevent further spread of disease, and improve respiratory function.

Indications

• Lung cancer localized to a single lobe
• Chronic lung infections not responding to other treatments
• Benign lung tumors causing symptoms
• Other conditions causing irreparable damage to a single lobe

Preparation

• The patient may need to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments to regular medications may be necessary, especially blood thinners.
• Pre-operative diagnostic tests including blood tests, chest X-rays, CT scans, and pulmonary function tests will be required to assess the patient's suitability for surgery.

Procedure Description

1. The patient will be given general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free.
2. Small incisions are made in the chest to insert the thoracoscope and other surgical instruments.
3. The surgeon uses the thoracoscope to view the lung and guide the removal of the diseased lobe.
4. The lobe is carefully detached and removed through the incision.
5. The incisions are closed with sutures or staples, and a chest tube may be placed to drain fluids and air post-operation.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 2 to 4 hours.

Setting

This surgery is performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Thoracic surgeon
• Surgical assistants
• Anesthesiologist
• Operating room nurses

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Infection, bleeding, air leaks, and complications from anesthesia.
• Rare risks: Injury to surrounding organs, persistent air leaks, and prolonged recovery of respiratory function.

Benefits

• Removal of diseased or cancerous tissue
• Improvement in symptoms such as pain, coughing, or difficulty breathing
• Potential to prevent the spread of malignancy
• Enhanced quality of life

Recovery

• Post-operative hospital stay of about 3-5 days.
• Chest tube management and monitoring.
• Pain management with medications.
• Gradual return to normal activities over 4-6 weeks.
• Follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and monitor lung function.

Alternatives

• Non-surgical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation for cancer.
• Bronchoscopic procedures for smaller lesions.
• Other types of lung surgery such as pneumonectomy (removal of an entire lung).
• Comparatively, thoracoscopy has a shorter recovery time and fewer complications than open surgeries.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia and will not feel pain or be aware of the surgery.
• Post-operative pain can be managed with medications.
• The patient may experience discomfort from the chest tubes and incisions.
• Gradual improvement in breathing and overall well-being is expected as recovery progresses.