Lung surgery

Alternative names:

lobectomy; lung tissue removal; pneumonectomy; thoracotomy

Definition:

Surgical procedure to open the chest and repair or remove lung tissue. See also lung needle biopsy.

Description:

While the patient is deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia), an incision is made between the ribs to expose the lung. The chest cavity will be examined and diseased lung tissue will be removed. A drainage tube (chest tube) is inserted to drain air, fluid, and blood out of the chest cavity and the ribs and skin are closed.

Indications:

Lung surgery may be recommended for:

• cancer (lung cancer)
• tumors (solitary pulmonary nodule)
• small areas of long-term infection (highly localized pulmonary tuberculosis or mycobacterium)
• pockets of infection (lung abscess)
• permanently enlarged (dilated) air tube (bronchus) (bronchiectasis)
• permanently enlarged (dilated) section of lung (lobar emphysema)
• permanently collapsed lung tissue (atelectasis)
• injuries with collapsed lung tissue (atelectasis, pneumothorax, or hemothorax)