What is a lung resection?
The field of thoracic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures designed to address conditions affecting the chest, lungs and nearby structures. A lung resection is when a surgeon removes part or the whole lung. These procedures play a crucial role in treating various thoracic conditions. Learn about the different types of lung resections, approaches, reasons for needing them, risks, benefits, recovery processes and potential outcomes below.
Lobectomy
A lobectomy involves the surgical removal of a lobe from the lung. It is a common procedure for treating lung cancer, lung infections, COPD or suspicious pulmonary nodules. Reasons for a lobectomy include localized lung tumors or conditions where removing a lobe may improve pulmonary function, alleviate symptoms or prevent the spread of disease.
Risks associated with lobectomy include bleeding, infection and potential damage to surrounding tissues. However, advancements in surgical techniques have significantly reduced these risks. Benefits often include improved lung function and increased quality of life for patients, particularly when the surgery successfully removes cancerous or diseased tissue.
Recovery from a lobectomy involves hospitalization and postoperative care to manage pain, monitor signs of complications, ensure proper wound healing and encourage movement early after surgery.
Pneumonectomy
A pneumonectomy involves the complete removal of an entire lung. It is usually reserved for cases of extensive lung cancer, severe lung infections, mesothelioma or certain instances of traumatic injury.
While a pneumonectomy can significantly impact a patient’s respiratory function, it can also get rid of the disease entirely. However, the risks associated with this surgery are higher than those related to other resections. Patients often undergo rigorous preoperative evaluations and clearance to identify potential risks and ensure they are fit for surgery.
Recovery from a pneumonectomy is longer and more challenging than other lung resections, taking several weeks to months for recovery with a longer hospital stay.
Segmentectomy and Wedge Resection
Segmentectomy involves the removal of a segment of a lobe, preserving more lung tissue compared to a lobectomy. This approach is commonly used when the affected area is smaller and preserving lung function is crucial.
Wedge resection involves the removal of a small, wedge-shaped piece of lung tissue. It is often for smaller tumors or when the extent of tissue removal can be minimized. The procedure involves removing the affected tissue and a margin of healthy tissue to ensure the complete removal of cancerous cells.
These procedures, while less invasive than lobectomy or pneumonectomy, still carry risks such as bleeding or infection. However, they generally allow for faster recovery and better preservation of lung function.
Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches
Advancements in technology have led to minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS). These approaches involve smaller incisions, specialized instruments and video guidance for enhanced precision without spreading the ribs.
VATS utilizes a tiny camera and instruments inserted through small incisions, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the chest cavity. RATS takes this further by employing robotic arms controlled by the surgeon, offering enhanced dexterity and precision.
These minimally invasive approaches result in shorter hospital stays, reduced pain, quicker recovery times, smaller surgical scars and lower risks of complications compared to traditional open surgeries.
Understanding the different types and approaches to lung surgery, from intricate resections like lobectomy, pneumonectomy, segmentectomy, and wedge resection to the advancements in minimally invasive techniques such as VATS and RATS, is vital in effectively managing chest-related conditions. This includes understanding the indications, risks, benefits and potential outcomes of surgery. Each procedure carries its unique considerations and the choice of which operative intervention depends on individual patient factors and the nature of their specific condition.
Ultimately, these surgeries aim to alleviate symptoms, eradicate the spread of diseases and improve patient quality of life.
By Tanya Nguyen, PA-C, instructor in the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery
