Types of Lung Cancer Surgery There are several types of surgery that may be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer depending on the size and location of the tumor. The main types include: Lobectomy: This is the most common type of sleeve lobectomy. It involves removing an entire lobe (section) of the lung. For a tumor located in one of the upper lobes, an upper lobectomy would be performed. For a tumor in a lower lobe, a lower lobectomy is done. Pneumonectomy: For larger tumors or those located centrally in the lung, it may be necessary to remove an entire lung through a pneumonectomy. This is a more extensive surgery with a longer recovery time compared to a lobectomy. Wedge resection or Segmentectomy: For very early-stage or small tumors near the edge of the Lung Cancer Surgery, only a portion of the lung needs to be removed. In a wedge resection, a slice of lung is removed. A segmentectomy removes one or more segments of a lobe but not the entire lobe. These surgeries aim to preserve as much lung tissue as possible. Sleeve lobectomy: This procedure removes the tumor along with some surrounding lung tissue but not the entire lobe. It may be used if the tumor is located close to major airways. Preparing for Lung Cancer Surgery Prior to sleeve lobectomy, your surgeon will want to ensure you are in as good of health as possible to undergo the operation and heal properly. This includes: - Getting any other existing medical issues under control through medications or additional treatments. Conditions like heart disease or diabetes need optimization. - Completing any needed pre-surgical tests like a cardiac stress test, pulmonary function tests, or scans/x-rays. - Attending a pre-surgical planning appointment to discuss the procedure, risks, recovery, and answer questions. - Following all pre-operative instructions regarding daily activities, medications, and diet in the weeks leading up to surgery. - Obtaining medical clearance from your primary care doctor or any other specialists involved in your care. The Day of Sleeve lobectomy On the day of surgery, you will likely be admitted to the hospital early in the morning. The surgical team will confirm your procedure and details. You will then be prepared in the pre-op area. This involves: - Changing into a hospital gown. - Having IV lines placed for medication administration and fluids. - Meeting your anesthesia care team who will explain how you will be put to sleep and managed during the surgery. - Signing consent forms for the procedure. - Having the surgical site marked with special markers. The anesthesiologist will administer medications to make you fall asleep during the operation. Your surgeon will then perform the lung surgery based on the pre-operative plan. For lobectomies and larger procedures, a tube may be placed in the chest cavity for drainage after. Staples, stitches, or surgical glue will close any incisions. Recovery from Sleeve lobectomy The recovery process after sleeve lobectomy can take several weeks. In the first few days post-op, you can expect: - To spend time in the hospital, usually 3-5 days for a lobectomy or longer for larger procedures. Recovery areas focus on pain control and getting mobile. - Some pain, soreness, or discomfort at the surgery site that improves daily. Medications will help manage pain. - Chest tube drainage if placed during surgery to remove air and fluid from the chest cavity. Tubes are usually removed within a few days. - Coughing and deep breathing exercises to keep lungs functioning well. This prevents pulmonary complications. - IV antibiotics to prevent infection around incisions or surgical areas. Within 2-4 weeks after discharge, you should start to feel more mobile and have less discomfort each day. Staples or stitches will be removed at follow up appointments. Light activity can resume but heavy exertion may take 4-6 weeks or more before feeling fully recovered from lobectomy surgery. Fatigue is also normal. Follow all postoperative instructions carefully for a smooth recovery. If sleeve lobectomy successfully removes all visible or palpable areas of cancer from the lung(s), the outlook is very promising. Five-year survival rates range from: - Stage IA (smallest tumors): 70-92% - Stage IB: 57-73% - Stage IIA: 49-67% - Stage IIB: 37-57% These rates vary based on other factors like cancer subtype, patient health, and any post-op adjuvant therapies given. Regular follow up with your medical oncologist and scans are imperative to check for recurrence or spread. With proper treatment and lifelong surveillance, sleeve lobectomy aims to cure disease or significantly prolong survival for many years in early-stage patients.
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