Question 1

Do non-smokers get lung cancer?

Accepted Answer

it is not common for non-smokers to be affected by lung cancer, but there are several causes apart from smoking that have been known to cause cancer of the lungs. Besides lung cancer, there are several lung disorders that might make lung operation a requirement for future well-being, and it is best to consult with a pulmonologist or a specialist at a lung hospital to determine if you are a candidate who requires lung surgery if you are affected by any of the symptoms that accompany lung disease.

Question 2

Why would I need a lobectomy?

Accepted Answer

Lobectomy or bilobectomy is most performed if lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage and a lung surgeon determines if the cancer can be completely removed through sectioning-off of a lobe of the lung. It may also be performed in cases of severe infections such as tuberculosis and complicated fungal infections or abscesses and scarring that may block airways.

Question 3

How is lung surgery performed?

Accepted Answer

Lung surgery using a thoracotomy is an open surgery procedure. In this surgery, the patient needs to lie on the side of an operating table, with the arms placed above the head. The surgeon makes a surgical cut between two ribs. These ribs will be removed and separated safely. The lung on this side is deflated during surgery so air will not move in and out of it. This makes it easier for the surgeon to operate on the lung. The surgeon decides what type of surgery is required based on the patient's condition. After the surgery, the surgeon closes the ribs, muscles, and skin with sutures. Open lung surgery usually takes 2 to 6 hours.

Question 4

What are the different types of Lung Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Wedge resection (segmentectomy): This method involves removing a small wedge-shaped piece of lung that contains a lung cancer tumour and a margin of healthy tissue around it as a precautionary measure. However, this method increases the risk of recurring lung cancer.

Lobectomy - The left lung has two lobes, and the right has three. In Lobectomy, an entire lobe of your lung that contains the cancer is removed. Your lungs are completely capable of functioning with the remaining lobes.

Pneumonectomy - In this type of surgery, the entire lung containing the lung cancer is removed. A pneumonectomy is rarely done, as it greatly reduces overall lung function.

Sleeve resection - The cancerous part of the bronchus is removed. The bronchus is the part of the trachea (windpipe) that branches off into each side of the lungs.

Some other common lung surgeries or procedures are:

Biopsy of an unknown growth
Lobectomy, to remove one or more lobes of a lung
Lung transplant
Pneumonectomy, to remove a lung
Surgery to prevent the buildup or return of fluid to the chest (pleurodesis)
Surgery to remove an infection in the chest cavity (empyema)
Surgery to remove blood in the chest cavity, particularly after trauma
Surgery to remove small balloon-like tissues (blebs) that cause lung collapse (pneumothorax)
Wedge resection, to remove part of a lobe in a lung
A thoracotomy is a surgical cut that a surgeon makes to open the chest wall

Question 5

How long does it take to recover from a lung operation?

Accepted Answer

Usually, you need to take proper care for the next 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. The chest may hurt and be swollen for up to 6 weeks. It may ache, feel stiff, tightness, itching, numbness, or tingling around the cut (incision) the doctor made for up to 3 months. For a smooth recovery after lung cancer surgery, follow all the restrictions made by the doctor. Do rest but walk for some time every day and eat according to the prescribed diet. You may need to add supplements to your diet.

Lung Surgery: